Immigration Update: Coronavirus

The COVID-19 pandemic is having an unprecedented impact on immigration policies and processes worldwide. In order to contain the spread of the virus, dozens of jurisdictions implement new measures or change existing ones each day.

 

Fragomen continues to closely monitor these developments. Our COVID-19 Pandemic - Immigration Situation Overview, which is available by clicking the download button below, summarizes the restrictions, requirements, and concessions currently in place in over 150 jurisdictions.

 

We recommend you regularly check this page and the most recently published Situation Overview for the latest immigration updates on this fluid situation. On June 4, 2020, we made updates to information for: Albania, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, India, Italy, Latvia, Montenegro, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

While the scope and extent of new immigration restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic are unprecedented, the global response has generally been the same as with other recent global health emergencies, for example:

• Nearly all jurisdictions have implemented entry or travel restrictions for individuals who are traveling from, or have recently been present in, jurisdictions where the virus has become widespread. Some countries have gone so far as to temporarily prohibit the entry of all noncitizens and nonresidents. 
• Most jurisdictions are mandating travelers from affected regions to be quarantined upon entry. Even if quarantines are not being mandated, nearly all jurisdictions have introduced additional health screening procedures at their ports of entry. Travelers should allow extra time for such possible screenings, and those exhibiting signs of sickness should be prepared for possible quarantine, even if quarantines are not broadly being mandated.
• Many countries have temporarily closed consular posts and visa application centers entirely or for non-emergency services. Please check government websites for the latest official information on consular closings and visa application center closings.
• Most countries’ health officials have issued notices advising against nonessential international travel generally or to specific jurisdictions where the outbreak is more severe. Travelers are advised to check official government websites for specific warning information.

 

The COVID-19 pandemic is a rapidly changing event, and this summary and our Situation Overview are for reference only. It does not attempt to cover a number of other developments that are relevant to travelers, such as airline route cancellations, the closing of consular posts, and national travel advisories.  Individuals considering travel should consult their country’s consular posts and seek case-specific advice from their travel and /or immigration providers. Likewise, employers considering changes to work arrangements or staffing changes should consult with their labor counsel and/or immigration provider for specific guidance.