Travel and population exchange has proved to be one of the pandemic’s closest friends. Hence, since the outbreak, limiting international and local travel has been a top priority among governments worldwide. Expats and expats-to-be have seen their plans changing quickly; many have lost international job placements, and others have waited for months to reunite with their families or return to their home country.
A year after the rising of Covid-19, governments have coordinated best-practices and restrictions to prevent the spread of the virus while maintaining movement as much as possible. This guide presents the current travel situation in some of the most popular expat destinations.
Attention: This information may change at any time. Always cross-check information with the appropriate authorities in your country and the country you are travelling to.
Travel to Europe
Austria
At the time of writing, Austria is under lockdown, and tourism and leisure travel are forbidden. This year, skiing in Austria is open only for locals. Among the measures that will remain in effect until at least 7 February 2021 is the closure of all but essential shops, hotels, and culture and leisure facilities such as museums, cinemas, exhibitions, theatres, and gyms. Residents can only leave home for crucial reasons, and masks are required on public transport.
Denmark
Similarly to Austria, Denmark is in a lockdown until at least 7 February 2021 with employees working mainly from home and students attending online classes. Only essential travel is allowed to Denmark whereas the country is considering exempting holders of a Covid-19 vaccination certificate. Denmark lifts its flight ban on transportation only to flights of which all passengers over 12 years old have a negative Covid-19 test certificate issued no later than 24 hours before boarding. The tests that meet the requirement are PCR tests and antigen tests.
Non-Danish residents can enter Denmark if they can justify important travel reasons. Hence, expat employees or employees-to-be in Denmark with a valid work permit, including self-employed professionals and athletes can enter the country regardless of their origin. Also, relatives, including sweethearts, of Danish or foreign residents in Denmark can travel to Denmark. In the case of unofficial relationships, the traveller must be able to prove that the relationship has lasted for at least three months, and the two parties have met in person before. Other essential travel reasons are visiting a seriously ill person in Denmark, participating in your child's birth, receiving public or private health treatment in Denmark, and taking part in legal proceedings.
Belgium
Currently, necessary shopping and curfews are composing Belgium's Covid-19 picture. Non-essential travel to Belgium is possible for EU residents, residents of one of the Schengen Area countries, and UK residents. Also, travellers from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand can enter Belgium irrespective of the reason for travel, as long as they comply with the visa requirements, PLF, quarantine, and testing.
Travellers from any other country can travel to Belgium with an essential journey certificate issued by the Belgian embassy or consulate. You can find the full list of compelling reasons in the government's website; however, the most common are family reasons (e.g., reunification, visit a legal spouse or unregistered partner, funeral, marriage), study, work (e.g., sportspeople, journalists, diplomats, health professionals, humanitarian aid professionals), and health reasons.
France
With close to three million infected patients today, France is following tight national Covid-19 restrictions. Travellers from the EU, Andorra, the Holy See, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, and Switzerland can enter France unconditionally. On the other hand, passengers entering from any other country must have a serious reason for coming to France, stated in the exempted international travel certificate. For example, they must be permanent residents of France, diplomats, health professionals contributing to the fight against Covid-19, students, researchers, humanitarian workers, or patients who arrive in France for medical treatment.
Germany
EU and Schengen Area residents, as well as residents from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand, can enter Germany unrestrictedly. Travellers from the UK and South Africa where the new Covid-19 variant B.1.1.7 has been detected must present a negative Covid-19 test upon arrival in Germany. Non-German citizens from other countries can enter Germany only if there's a legit reason (e.g., healthcare workers, expat workers in Germany, international students in Germany, urgent family reasons, persons in need of international protection, health reasons).
Italy
Italy is one of the Covid-19 worst-hit countries in Europe with 83,681 deaths at the time of writing. Amid the second wave, the country follows strict restrictions, which may last until April 2021. Regional travel within Italy is not allowed, and all travellers arriving in Italy must self-isolate for 14 days. Due to the intensity and persistence of the virus in the country, Italy has chosen to not comply with the EU Traffic Lights Recommendation. Hence, even EU citizens, regardless of the reason for their trip to Italy, must sign a Self Declaration form and isolate themselves for 14 days. If you plan to travel to Italy, authorities have created a self-assessment quiz to help you find out general information on current rules depending on the country you are travelling from.
Portugal
Like most European Union countries, Portugal accepts citizens from the EU and the Schengen Area whose travel is unnecessary. Unless it is a transit, arrivals from other countries must prove that they have an authorised reason for travelling to Portugal amid the pandemic such as working in Portugal, studying in a Portuguese university, or reuniting with family. Couples that are not legally married and wish to reunite in Portugal are scrutinised. A negative Covid-19 test certificate is not mandatory for EU and Schengen Area citizens before arrival in Portugal. Arrivals from other countries must show a negative PCR test certificate issued no more than 72 hours before departure.
Spain
Overall, Spain is open to leisure and non-essential travel activities, and the country is considering exempting from any measures those who have a Covid-19 vaccination certificate. For European Union arrivals, Spain follows the advice of the EU Traffic Lights Recommendation, which categorises EU countries based on Covid-19 risk levels. For arrivals from other countries, Spain complies with guidance from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and WHO's international health regulations. In addition to PCR tests, Spain accepts TMA (Transcription-Mediated Amplification) and RT-LAMP (Reverse Transcriptase Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification) tests for travellers over the age of six.
Travel to North America
Canada
Passengers five years of age or older flying to Canada must present a negative Covid-19 test certificate (issued no more than 72 hours before departure) to the airline before boarding the flight. All arrivals in Canada must quarantine for 14 days, and failure to do so is considered a legal offence, which may lead to penalties, fines, and imprisonment. The Canadian government has created a questionnaire for foreign nationals to find out whether they may be allowed entry to Canada. Of course, this information tool is based on anonymity, and the final say is with the authorities at the port of entry.
The USA
Each US state is at a different level of emergency and preventive measures. However, the continuously high number of cases has led many states to forbid indoor dining, limit gatherings, and mandate masks at spaces prone to crowds such as malls, parks, etc. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a negative Covid-19 test certificate is required from all passengers (including American citizens) before boarding their flight to the US. The test, which must not be done earlier than three days before departure, is not a requirement for children under the age of two. Non-essential travel to the US is banned from the UK, Ireland, the Schengen Area, China, Brazil, and Iran.
Travel to Africa
Mauritius
Mauritius with just over 500 Covid-19 cases in total has declared itself a safe destination. Even though the Indian Ocean country is open to all types of travel, strict travel measures may discourage short-term travellers, tourists, and health tourists. All arrivals in Mauritius must show a negative Covid-19 PCR test certificate, which has been issued between five and seven days before departure. In addition, passengers arriving in Mauritius will undergo two more Covid-19 tests; one on the day of arrival and one on the 14th day following the arrival — the last quarantine day unless tested positive. For the mandatory quarantine, travellers must book a package at a designated hotel at their own expense. Due to the newest variety of Covid-19 discovered in the UK and South Africa, passengers from these countries are not allowed in Mauritius until 31 January 2021.
Ghana
Ghana is open to all travellers with a negative Covid-19 PCR test certificate obtained no more than 72 hours before departure from the first country (for non-direct flights). A second test is conducted at the airport, but passengers must pay USD 150 for it in advance via the international airport's website. Passengers who have failed to complete the process will be denied to board their flight to Ghana. Only arrivals who test positive for Covid-19 are isolated and quarantined for seven days, or hospitalised.
Kenya
Kenya is under 10 PM to 4 AM curfew, which will be in place until 12 March 2021. Hence, if you arrive at the airport after 10 PM, keep your boarding pass close at hand while travelling to your accommodation in case the authorities stop you. Nationals and citizens from almost all countries can travel to Kenya for leisure or work without quarantining. As of 1 January 2021, single-entry and transit visas are issued electronically.
Passengers and transit passengers arriving in Kenya must present a negative PCR test taken no more than 96 hours before departure, as well as their QR code for scanning. However, the Kenyan Health Department may change entry requirements for specific countries depending on the latest Covid-19 risk assessments. Thus, if you plan to travel to Kenya, you must stay updated with the most recent travel information and download the Jitenge MoH Kenya app.
Rwanda
Since 18 January 2021, Rwanda's capital city is under its second lockdown and a 6 PM to 4 AM curfew, which has been announced for the next 15 days. Travel in and out of Kigali is not allowed unless deemed essential. Tourists who are currently in Rwanda can travel regionally with a Covid-19 negative test certificate. For the time being, the international airport is open. Travellers arriving in Rwanda must show a negative PCR test certificate taken five days or less before departure and are subjected to a second Covid-19 test at the Kigali international airport. Until the second test results come out within 24 hours, passengers must quarantine in a designated hotel. The hotel has to be booked in advance at the passenger's cost on top of USD 50 for the test. Rwanda has not secured any Covid-19 vaccines yet.
Travel to Oceania
Australia
Australia's borders are closed, and the country is open only to Australian citizens, permanent residents, and their immediate family members. All travellers must present a negative Covid-19 test certificate issued 72 hours or less before boarding a flight to Australia. Passengers exempted from the pre-departure Covid-19 test are children at or under four and those entering on a Green Safe Travel Zone flight. Currently, the only green zone is New Zealand. Passengers are exempted from the test and quarantine if they have stayed in New Zealand for at least 14 days before entering Australia. All other travellers must quarantine for 14 days in the Australian city they land, even if they plan to travel elsewhere in Australia. During the quarantine, authorities may require additional testing depending on the state and territory.
New Zealand
New Zealand's borders are closed for everyone except New Zealand citizens, permanent residents, and dependents. All other passengers arriving in New Zealand must request government's approval of their reason for travel before departing. If you find your reason for travelling to New Zealand on the government's list of critical reasons for travelling to New Zealand, you must submit the online request form. If you are an essential worker, your employer must submit the form for you. All arrivals in New Zealand undergo a 14-day quarantine.
Travel to the Middle East
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has lifted all curfews, and economic and social activities have resumed. However, Covid-19 preventive measures such as social distancing, wearing masks, and limitations in gatherings remain in place. At the same time, Saudi Arabia has decided not to allow international flights' arrivals until 31 March 2021. The travel ban is valid for expats-to-be in Saudi Arabia and tourists, and citizens and residents who wish to return to Saudi Arabia. In exceptional cases, the Ministry of Interior may consider evaluating travel requests from citizens or residents on a case-by-case basis.
The UAE
UAE Covid-19 guidelines and regulations differ from one emirate to another. However, all expats returning to the UAE must present at the check-in a negative PCR test certificate, issued no more than 96 hours before departure. Random Covid-19 tests may take place at the arrivals of the UAE's airports, and if a person tests positive, they must isolate themselves for 14 days or until they are Covid-19-free.
Travel to Central and South America
Mexico
Mexico is open to all travellers, including tourists and business travellers, meaning that you don't need a serious reason to enter the country. Mexico is one of the few countries that doesn't require a negative PCR test upon arrival, let alone a quarantine.
Brazil
Brazil has lifted travel restrictions with the excuse of saving the national economy and preventing a health crisis from turning into a social crisis. Even though Brazil counts 213,000 deaths and 8.64 million cases, only symptomatic travellers are advised to isolate. However, on 30 December 2020, Brazil started requiring a negative PCR test certificate from passengers travelling to the country. Also, passengers must complete a health declaration confirming they will comply with the health and safety measures during their stay in Brazil.
Travel to Asia
Japan
Twelve (out of 47) prefectures in Japan have issued a state of emergency, including Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and most recently Okinawa on the East, made of 150 tropical-like islands. Until the emergency declarations are reevaluated on 7 February 2021, citizens are advised to stay at home, especially after 8 PM. In the meantime, in Shizuoka prefecture, there are confirmed cases of the new Covid-19 variant.
Foreign nationals are not allowed to enter Japan unless they can prove that their entry falls under exceptional circumstances. All travellers arriving in Japan, including Japanese nationals, must submit a negative Covid-19 test result certificate taken 72 hours or less before departure. A second Covid-19 test is done upon arrival in Japan, and a 14-day quarantine location (which may be the passenger's accommodation) is assigned by the quarantine station chief.
Travel under the Business Track, which permits short-term cross-border travel between Japan and Singapore has been suspended, as well as travel under the Residence Track. Hence, no entry of non-Japanese nationals under these tracks is permitted until further notice.
China
A year ago, on 23 January 2020, two days before the Chinese New Year celebration, the first lockdown occurred in Wuhan, China. For six months, the city was cut off from the rest of the country. Today, life in China is almost back to normal; however, each region applies its measures, and there are concerns about a surge in cases during the festive period.
Foreign nationals are allowed to enter China for work with the appropriate work visa, as well as for family reunion, and leisure. If you are entering Beijing (from abroad or any other Chinese city), you must stay for 21 days in quarantine in a government-designated facility, and you may be subjected to additional health checks for seven more days after the quarantine has ended. All travellers to China must take a PCR test and a serological test which detects antibodies 48 hours before their departure. The results of both tests must be negative to be allowed in China.
