With the World Health Organization declaring the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic on Wednesday, countries around the world have been revising their entry policies. The suspension of tourist visa comes in a wake to tackle the further spread of novel Coronavirus, as cases across the world continue to rise.
India
Taking into account the increasing number of confirmed COVID-19 cases; the Government of India issued a revised travel advisory, the suspension of all tourists visa till 15th April, 2020 as issued by Bureau of Immigration (BOI). All existing visas, except diplomatic, official, U.N./international organizations, employment, project visas stands are suspended till 15th April 2020. This came into effect from 1200 GMT on 13th March 2020.
China
Beijing announced a 14-day mandatory quarantine on all international travelers arriving in the Chinese capital. Meanwhile, international business travelers will be required to stay at a select number of designated hotels in Beijing where they will be tested for the virus. They will not be allowed to leave until their test results have been returned. Travelers in China who have recently visited South Korea, Japan and Italy — countries with “severe outbreaks” — and are to be headed toward Beijing or Shanghai, or provinces such as Guangdong and Sichuan, and will be quarantined for two weeks in a Chinese facility.
Italy
One of worst-affected countries in the world, Italy has been on lock-down since 9 March, when a national quarantine was imposed following the death of more than 1000 people. The Italian authorities have advised against travel for tourism purposes throughout Italy, and said tourists in Italy should contact their airline operators as soon as possible to arrange return to their own country.
US
On March 11th, a new travel advisory issued by President Trump banned entry for all foreign nationals who had visited China, Iran and a group of European countries during the previous 14 days. Legal permanent US residents and the immediate family members of US citizens will still be permitted entry back into the States. The advisory is in place for 30 days, starting from 11.59pm on 13 March.
Japan
Japan is banning entry on passengers who have been in affected regions of China, South Korea or Italy within the last 14 days. Japanese nationals are exempt, as are their spouses and children, if the relations are verified.
South Korea
South Korea has restricted the entry of travelers with passports from China’s Hubei Province as well as anyone who has visited that region in the past 14 days. Additionally, Korean visas that were issued to travelers in Hubei are canceled. Visa-free entry to Jeju Island for all foreigners, as well as visa-free entry for Chinese nationals and travelers who are headed to China, are both suspended.
Australia
Australia has imposed travel bans on foreign nationals from China, South Korea, Iran and Italy, and requires Australians and permanent residents returning from those countries to self-isolate for a fortnight. Citizens are also being asked to reconsider the need to travel overseas at this time, regardless of destination, age or health. This does not apply to airline crew, Australian nationals and their immediate family members, or New Zealand nationals resident in Australia. This does not apply to Australian nationals, permanent Australian residents, or their immediate family members, who are instead required to self-isolate for 14 days.
Thailand
Thailand has suspended its visa exemption policy for travellers from Hong Kong, South Korea, India and Italy. Visa on arrival has also been stopped for 18 countries. Travellers must apply for visas in advance and present a medical certificate to show they don’t have coronavirus.
Russia
The Russian Government banned entry of Chinese nationals and Iranian citizens. On March 1, Russia restricted travel by South Koreans, mandating they enter the country only via Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow. As of March 13, the government banned Italian citizens from entry into Russia. Effective March 16, air travel between Russia and countries of the European Union, Norway, and Switzerland will be limited to flights between Moscow and capital cities, according to officials.
Israel
The Israeli Authorities have advised that from 11th March they will extend their entry restrictions to include travellers from the UK. This means no UK travellers will be able to enter Israel unless they can prove they will be placed in home quarantine for 14 days after their arrival.
Denmark
Denmark closed its borders to most foreign travelers for the next month as of March 14. All tourists, travel, vacations, and foreigners who cannot demonstrate a credible reason to enter Denmark will be denied entrance at the Danish border.
Norway
Anyone arriving in Norway from outside the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, plus Greenland, the Faroe Islands and the Åland Islands) is being told to self-isolate for two weeks, regardless of whether they have symptoms or not, according to the Norwegian Health Directorate. The restrictions run until 26 March.
Vietnam
Vietnam has announced that from noon Vietnam time on 15 March foreign nationals will be refused entry if in the previous 14 days they have been to the UK, or any Schengen country, even in transit. This restriction will be in place for 30 days.
Singapore
All new visitors who have travelled to mainland China (not including Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan) within the last 14 days, will not be allowed to enter or transit through Singapore. This will include travellers who transit in mainland China to Singapore regardless of the duration and whether they had cleared immigration in China. As of 4 March 2020, all new visitors with recent travel history to Iran, northern Italy or the Republic of Korea within the last 14 days will not be allowed to enter into or transit through Singapore. From 11.59pm on 15 March 2020, all new visitors who have travelled to France, Germany, Italy and Spain within the last 14 days will not be allowed to enter or transit through Singapore.
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