Are You and Your EU Employees Prepared for Brexit?
As you are aware, the UK left the EU on 1 January 2021. As a result, there are a number of new rules that British employers of EU citizens should be aware of.
Everything You Need to Know about COVID Travel Restrictions if You are Traveling Abroad on Business
*The COVID requirements are subject to change at short notice. So, please make sure you check out also the official authorities’ websites before traveling.
After what has been long two years of COVID lockdowns and travel restrictions, thankfully borders are beginning to reopen.
And let’s face it. It’s been quite a while since business travelers have been able to meet and liaise with colleagues, clients, and partners based abroad. So it has been no surprise to see such a strong appetite from business travelers to jet overseas once again.
While many countries are now welcoming arrivals once again, it is likely you will have to follow location-specific rules before you travel.
Of course, this new travel landscape can be puzzling because of red lists, green lists, certificates, tests, and constantly changing post-lockdown rules for each country.
So with that in mind, we’ve put together a simple guide on everything a business traveller needs to know about COVID travel restrictions before traveling abroad.
This guide includes helpful recommendations about the following countries:
Is Australia welcoming business travelers at present?
In order to keep COVID out, Australians have been under some of the world’s tightest border controls for the past 19 months.
Australia’s borders are temporarily closed, and admission into the country is closely restricted. You may travel to the country only if you are exempt or have been granted an individual exemption although there are strict arrival limits.
Foreigners will not be able to travel immediately, but the administration stated that it was trying to welcome visitors soon.
Unvaccinated travelers must still stay in hotels for 14 days under a quarantine.
You will need a vaccination certificate proving that you are completely vaccinated according to Australia’s criteria.
Where can I keep up-to-date on the latest news regarding Australia’s travel restrictions?
You can check the Australian government FAQ for additional information.
Can I apply for a business travel visa for Australia?
You can apply for an Australian eVisitor (subclass 651) with Visa First.
How soon your visa will be granted may depend on local COVID restrictions.
For more information, check out the Australian COVID travel restrictions and exemptions here.
What are Azerbaijan’s travel restrictions in 2021?
According to a decision made on 29 October 2021, by Azerbaijan’s Cabinet of Ministers, the special quarantine regime will remain in effect until 1 January 2022.
Visitors over the age of 18 must have a COVID-19 passport (or a document confirming full vaccination against COVID-19 or immunity to COVID-19).
A quick antigen test will not be approved, instead, a PCR test will be required.
The Cabinet of Ministers announced on July 24, 2021, that non-Azerbaijani individuals who have close relatives who are Azerbaijani nationals are excluded from the COVID-19 passport requirement.
Passengers above the age of 1 must have a negative COVID-19 test result provided up to 72 hours before their trip to Azerbaijan.
The presence of a QR code on the negative COVID-19 test results is not needed, although the existence of such will allow faster processing when you are in Baku.
Where can I find the latest information on travel restrictions in Azerbaijan?
Quarantine measures are subject to change at any time. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the Republic of Azerbaijan Cabinet of Minister’s web page in English (or in Azerbaijani).
Is it possible to apply for an Azerbaijan business travel visa?
Yes, it is. You can apply for Azerbaijan eVisa.
If you’re going to Azerbaijan for business, it is perfect for you. Visa First can help you secure an Azerbaijan eVisa online.
What’s the COVID situation in China right now for business travel?
All visitors must present two negative tests, a PCR and an antibody test (Nucleic Acid and IgM Anti-Body Tests), done within 48 hours before departure.
On the basis of this, a health certificate will be provided by the relevant Chinese diplomatic mission abroad and it is critical to ensure that the test center or laboratory is recognized by it as well.
Upon arrival, all visitors will be tested and transferred to a quarantine center. The quarantine period is usually 14 days in a quarantine center established by the local government.
The traveler is responsible for all the costs.
Regulations for quarantine may differ in each city and province.
The entrance requirements, as well as the COVID-19 measures, are subject to change at any time, even on short notice.
Holiday travel to China is generally banned, however people with special courtesy visas, such as government officials and diplomats traveling for personal reasons, are allowed to enter the country.
Those in the same group traveling on diplomatic and service visas for official purposes are also allowed entrance.
Nonetheless, foreigners with valid employment, personal, or family reunion residency permits and those with authorized visa types, are permitted to enter.
Where can I get the latest news on travel restrictions in China?
To avoid unexpected situations upon departure or arrival in China, visitors should thoroughly read and review the regulations and measures shortly before traveling.
For the latest information, please visit en.nhc.gov.cn or fmprc.gov.cn.
Is it possible to get a business travel visa for China now?
Yes. You can apply online for a China business visa with Visa First.
This visa is excellent if you visit China on a regular basis for short business trips but spend less than six months in China each year.
Conveniently, the visa can be obtained easily online with the help of Visa First. With our assistance, you won’t need to wait at the embassy.
Can business travelers enter Ethiopia?
Ethiopia’s borders are still open to international visitors.
On landing in Ethiopia, all flight passengers must follow a specific COVID-19 safety routine.
To enter the country, you must show evidence of a negative COVID-19 RT PCR test result issued during the previous 120 hours (5 days), starting from the moment the sample is given.
Arrivals must then undertake a mandatory 7-day self-quarantine period.
When you enter Ethiopia, there are no COVID-19 tests available. Except if you are a transit passenger, a Rapid Diagnostic Test is not approved.
All visitors must submit a Passenger Health Registration Form prior to their arrival.
Where can I look for the most recent information on travel restrictions in Ethiopia?
The Ethiopian government may change procedures at any time. That’s why travelers should double-check the most recent coronavirus limitations before making plans.
Is it possible to get a business travel visa for Ethiopia now?
Yes. You can apply online for eVisa for Ethiopia with Visa First. It is ideal for you if you visit the country for business trips.
We will handle your visa application from start to finish.
What are the COVID requirements to enter India?
Only Indian nationals, permanent residents, and travelers from specified countries who qualify for visas, other than tourist visas, are allowed to enter India.
All passengers must submit a self-declaration form on the Air Suvidha Portal, as well as a negative PCR test within 72 hours of their flight.
Quarantine is not required for fully vaccinated arrivals. Others must self-isolate for seven days, test on day eight, and have their health monitored for another week.
Where can I find the most recent information on the Indian travel restrictions?
You can check the travel and visa restrictions and the most up-to-date info related to COVID on the website of the Indian Ministry of Home affairs.
Can I travel to India for business at the moment?
You can apply online for the India business visa with Visa First. It will allow you to stay in India for up to 180 days during the year of validity.
Our visa experts will handle all of the tedious paperwork so you don’t have to!
What are the latest COVID entry requirements for Ireland for business?
If you are traveling to Ireland, you must fill out an online COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form before you get there.
After this, you will receive an email receipt, which you must present when boarding.
You must also complete this form if you arrive in Ireland via Northern Ireland and have been abroad in the last 14 days.
You will also be asked which of the following you are traveling with:
- evidence of vaccination
- Proof of a negative RT-PCR test made within 72 hours of arrival OR a positive RT-PCR COVID-19 test result taken at least 11 days before arrival (and no more than 180 days)
- Proof of COVID-19 recovery in the last 180 days
You are considered fully vaccinated when the following conditions are met:
- 15 days following the second AstraZeneca or Covishield injection
- 7 days following the second Pfizer-BioNTech dosage
- 14 days following the second Moderna dose
- 14 days after the single Janssen dosage
- 14 days following the second Sinopharm dose (also called Vero Cell Inactivated)
Where can I get the most up-to-date information on Irish travel restrictions?
For the latest COVID-19 requirements, please check out gov.ie.
Can I apply for an Irish business travel visa right now?
You can apply easily online with Visa First for the Irish business visa. It will allow you to stay in Ireland for up to 90 days.
Our visa specialists will handle your visa application from start to end, increasing your chances of a successful outcome.
What are the COVID restrictions for business travelers entering Pakistan for the time being?
Passengers arriving in Pakistan must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test done within 96 hours prior to departure.
A list of countries that are not included in this, is updated every two weeks and is available on the Pakistan government’s COVID-19 website.
You will be required to download and register your information on the ‘Pass Track App’ prior to arrival.
If you do not have the App installed, you will be asked to fill out a health declaration form.
According to government standards, all international passengers arriving in Pakistan will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms.
If you have any, you will be allowed to travel to your destination, but you must have a COVID-19 test within 48 hours of arrival and submit the results to the authorities.
If the test results are positive, you must self-isolate in accordance with Pakistani regulations.
Where can I stay up to date with the latest news on Pakistan’s travel restrictions?
The COVID requirements are subject to change at short notice. Please, contact your airline if you have any worries regarding your future travel plans.
Complete government instructions for overseas travelers to Pakistan can be found here.
For updated travel information, please check out the international airports in Pakistan:
Can I travel to Pakistan for business purposes now?
Yes, and you can apply for a Pakistan eVisa with Visa First.
If you are visiting Pakistan for business or work, you can get either a single-entry or multiple-entry eVisa.
You have the option of obtaining a three-month, one-year, or more than one-year visa, and our visa experts will help you secure one.
What are the Russian COVID travel restrictions?
Many foreign nationals have been denied entry to Russia.
Exemptions include members of diplomatic missions, certain work-travellers who qualify as highly qualified specialists, and those travelling for medical treatment.
To check-in and board an aircraft to Russia, foreign citizens, including transit passengers, must provide a negative COVID-19 PCR-test result.
Visitors should be tested within three calendar days before their arrival in the Russian Federation.
During the flight, they will also be requested to fill out a particular form.
Travelers (other than Russian residents) must provide a printed medical certificate showing the negative Coronavirus (COVID-19) PCR test result.
The certificate can be written in either Russian or English and a certified translation into Russian is acceptable. This includes transit passengers as well.
Please, keep in mind that only the PCR method for COVID-19 testing is accepted by airlines.
Other testing, including antibody tests, will not be allowed.
According to the most recent decision of Rospotrebnadzor, which is in charge of public health, dated 16 April 2021 N 13 (enacted on April 21, 2021), foreign citizens and stateless people might be subjected to random COVID-test upon arrival to Russia at the airport.
Where can I get the most up-to-date information about the COVID travel restrictions in Russia?
For the latest Russian COVID travel requirements, please check the information listed here.
What’s the easiest way to get a Russian business visa?
The easiest way to obtain a business visa for Russia is to apply online with Visa First.
It is valid for 180 days and you can stay for up to 90 days in the country.
What are the COVID requirements to enter Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia welcomes international travelers for the time being.
All travelers are obliged to:
- provide the results of a negative PCR test performed no more than 72 hours before departure
- have COVID 19 insurance
- download and register the Tawakkalna application
There are no quarantine restrictions for fully vaccinated travelers who match the criteria listed below:
- 2 doses of : Pfizer BioNTech or Comirnaty
- 2 doses of : Oxford AstraZeneca, Covishield, SK Bioscience or Vaxzevria.
- 2 doses of : Moderna or Spikevax
- 1 dose of Johnson & Johnson
You must have a vaccine certificate issued from the health authorities of the country where you were vaccinated.
The final dosage (the second dose of a two-dose vaccine or the first dose of a single dose vaccine) should be received at least 14 days before departure for Saudi Arabia.
Travelers should bring their immunization certificates or proof of vaccination in the form of applications authorized in Saudi Arabia.
If you are not fully vaccinated, or if you are a traveler who does not hold Saudi citizenship or residency, you should undertake a five-day period of quarantine in a designated hotel.
On the fifth day after arriving, if the PCR test results are negative, the quarantine will be lifted.
Before arriving and after getting your tourism visa, you should register your vaccine status at muqeem.sa.
The website is offered in English and Arabic.
Where can I find the most up-to-date information on Saudi Arabia’s COVID health regulations?
For more information, check out the Saudi Arabia Covid Travel Updates here.
How can I apply for a business visa for Saudi Arabia?
You can apply easily online for a business visa for Saudi Arabia with Visa First.
The duration of your visit to Saudi Arabia depends on whether your visa is a multiple-entry or single-entry one.
What are the COVID travel guidelines and requirements in Sri Lanka?
Flights to and from Sri Lanka are operated by commercial airlines.
Some airlines need proof of a negative COVID-19 test done up to 72 hours before departure.
Before you fly, you should check with your airline.
There is a considerable risk of sudden changes to flights and airport operations.
Depending on your vaccination status and pre-departure PCR test results, your entry into Sri Lanka may be subject to quarantine measures.
Where can I get the latest news on Sri Lanka’s COVID travel requirements?
The Ministry of Tourism has issued health regulations for people visiting Sri Lanka, which are available for download on their website.
How can I get a business visa for Sri Lanka?
You can easily apply online for an eVisa for Sri Lanka with Visa First.
It is a double-entry visa with a maximum validity of 180 days and it allows you to travel to the country for business purposes as well.
Our team will handle all the paperwork and hassle for you.
What are the COVID entry requirements for entering Kenya?
Domestic and international flights are now resumed in Kenya.
All passengers arriving in Kenya or transiting through the country must have a negative PCR COVID-19 certificate for a test made within 96 hours before their arrival.
Your negative COVID test can be digitally validated via the Trusted Travel Initiative.
Your body temperature should not be higher than 37.5° C (99.5° F); there should be no persistent cough, trouble breathing, or other flu-like symptoms.
The list of countries exempt from a quarantine can be accessed on the KCAA website. As this list is regularly updated, we advise citizens to check it.
Even if transiting, all travelers must complete an obligatory COVID-19 Travellers Health Surveillance Form online or via the “Jitenge Moh” app, which passengers can download from the Google Play Store.
After submitting the form, a QR code will be generated, which must be submitted to Port Health Officials before proceeding to Immigration.
Where can I get the most valid information about the COVIDtravel entry requirements in Kenya?
You can find more information on the Kenya Ministry of Health website.
What’s the easiest way to apply for a Kenyan business travel visa?
The easiest way to apply online for a Kenyan eVisa is with Visa First.
This visa is a single-entry and is valid for up to 90 days.
By applying with Visa First, you will save time and get your visa quickly and conveniently online.
All you have to do now is make sure you meet the visa criteria and leave the rest to our visa experts.
Why should I apply with Visa First?
- We have over 17 years of experience in the immigration and visa industry and we are a trusted name
- Every year, our visa experts process over 9,000 visas
- You will save time, stress and avoid dealing with paperwork
- We offer a simple and convenient online service
- You will have a personal account manager who will be available to answer any questions you may have
- Our visa professionals will make certain that your application is properly prepared
*The COVID requirements are subject to change at short notice. So, please make sure you check out the official authorities’ websites before traveling.
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