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IMPACT – MEDIUM

The European Council updated the list of countries for which it recommends travel restrictions be lifted, removing Singapore and Ukraine from the list.

Key Points:

• On Nov. 9, the European Council advised its 27 member states to re-implement travel restrictions on nonessential travel from Singapore and Ukraine.
• The Council recommended the continue lifting of restrictions for 18 countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates. The full list is available here.

Additional Information: Member states have the right to impose or lift entry restrictions and are not legally bound to apply the EU Council’s recommendations.

BAL Analysis: The EU continues to update its COVID-19 travel recommendations, and while member states have, in many cases, implemented EU recommendations, exact policies will vary from country to country. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

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The U.S. will soon lift entry restrictions for fully vaccinated nonimmigrant foreign nationals traveling from Europe and other areas that have been subject to “physical presence” entry bans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some European countries continue to enforce entry restrictions on travelers from the U.S., especially for travelers who are not fully vaccinated.

Entry requirements are as follows:

• Czech Republic. U.S. citizens and residents can enter the country if they have a residence permit or short-term visa issued by the Czech Republic or another EU country, or they have a long-term visa issue by another EU country. Travelers must complete an entry form before arrival and applicable health requirements. More information regarding entry restrictions can be found here.
• France. The French government moved the U.S. to its “amber list” on Sept. 9. U.S. travelers who are not vaccinated must give a compelling reason to be able to enter France. No restrictions apply to fully vaccinated U.S. travelers. Additional entry requirements and heath measures can be found here.
• Germany. Travelers who are coming from or have been in the U.S. within 10 days of entering Germany must be fully vaccinated or demonstrate an important reason for entering the country. More information can be found here.
• Ireland. Fully vaccinated travelers coming from the U.S. can enter the country without COVID-19 testing. Those who are not fully vaccinated must take a PCR test within 72 hours of arrival and quarantine for 14 days or until they receive a negative PCR test after 5 days. More information regarding entry requirements can be found here.
• Italy. Individuals traveling from or have been in the U.S. within 14 days of intended arrival must present a PCR or rapid test that was taken within 72 hours of arrival, regardless of vaccination status. Travelers must complete the digital passenger locator form before entering the country. Additional entry requirement and information can be found here.
• Netherlands. Officials designated the U.S. as a “high risk area” on Oct. 22. Only U.S. travelers who are fully vaccinated or fall under an exemption category will be allowed to enter the country. Travelers arriving from the U.S. do not have to quarantine upon arrival. More information regarding entry requirements can be found here.
• Poland. U.S. citizens and residents can enter the county but must quarantine for 10 days. Travelers may be exempt from the mandatory quarantine if they meet one of the exemptions listed here. More information on Poland’s entry requirements can be found here.
• Spain. As of Sept. 6, U.S. travelers are subject to the general travel restrictions for non-essential travelers from third countries to EU and Schengen Area. Non-vaccinated U.S. travelers are banned from entering the country until further notice. A full list of travel restriction exemptions can be found here.
• Sweden. Officials removed the U.S. from its safe-countries list on Sept.6. U.S. travelers may no longer enter the country for non-essential reasons, regardless of vaccination status. Beginning Nov. 5, fully vaccinated U.S. travelers can enter the country. More information on Swedish travel restrictions from the U.S. can be found here and here.
• Switzerland. Fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and residents can enter the country. More information on entry requirements for those who are not fully vaccinated can be found here. Travelers can visit this website visit to check if they can enter Switzerland.
• United Kingdom. Fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and residents must book and pay for a COVID-19 test, complete a passenger locator form and take a COVID-19 test on or before day two of arrival. Those who are not fully vaccinated must take a COVID-19 test within three days before arrival, book and pay for day-two and day-eight COVID-19 tests, complete a passenger locator form and quarantine for at least 10 days. More entry requirements, including the need to show proof of U.S. residency, can be found here.

Additional Information: Many European countries lifted bans on travel from the U.S. in June only to re-impose some restrictions in August and September after the European Union removed the U.S. from its “green list” of safe countries. Entry requirements and health protocols may change with little notice and travelers should be sure to check their destination country’s requirements before travel. Employers and employees should continue to consult their BAL professional before planning any international travel.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global practice. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

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European countries are re-imposing travel restrictions on U.S. residents following the European Council’s decision to remove the U.S. from its “green list” at the end of August.

The countries that have implemented restrictions again include:

• Bulgaria. Officials designated the U.S. as a red-zone country as of Sept. 1. Travelers from the U.S., regardless of their citizenship, are banned from entering the country unless they meet an exception found here.
• Denmark. Officials moved the U.S. to the orange list on Sept. 6. Unvaccinated U.S. travelers are banned from entering the country; fully vaccinated U.S. travelers may still enter the country it they have a worthy purpose of travel.
• France. The French government moved the U.S. to the amber list on Sept. 9. U.S. travelers who are not vaccinated must give a compelling reason to be able to enter France. No restrictions apply to fully vaccinated U.S. travelers. Additional entry requirements and heath measures can be found here.
• Germany. Travelers who are coming from or have been in the U.S. within 10 days of entering Germany must be fully vaccinated or demonstrate an important reason for entering the country. More information can be found here.
• Italy. Individuals traveling from or who have been in the U.S. within 14 days of intended arrival must present a PCR or rapid test that was taken within 72 hours of arrival, regardless of vaccination status. Travelers must complete the digital passenger locator form before entering the country. Those who cannot show proof of vaccination or recovery from a past COVID-19 infection will be required to isolate for five days and will then be subject to another test. Additional entry requirement and information can be found here.
• Netherlands. Officials designated the U.S. as a “very high risk area” on Sept. 4. Only U.S. travelers who are fully vaccinated or fall under an exemption category will be allowed to enter the country. More information regarding entry requirements can be found here.
• Spain. As of Sept. 6, U.S. travelers are subject to the general travel restrictions for non-essential travelers from third countries to EU and Schengen Area. Non-vaccinated U.S. travelers are banned from entering the country until further notice. A full list of travel restriction exemptions can be found here.
• Sweden. Officials removed the U.S. from its safe-countries list on Sept. 6. U.S. travelers may no longer enter the country for non-essential reasons, regardless of vaccination status. More information on Swedish travel restrictions from the U.S. can be found here.

Additional Information: Recent changes in restrictions make travel from the U.S. to many European countries more difficult. Travelers are reminded that the U.S. continues to bar entry and re-entry to many foreign nationals who have been physically present in the Schengen Area, Ireland or the United Kingdom in the past 14 days. The bans will remain in place until they are lifted or modified by President Joe Biden. U.S. consulates continue to operate at reduced capacity, and applicants for visas and exemptions from the COVID-19 travel restrictions should expect delays. The U.S. government also requires proof of a negative COVID-19 test from all international air travelers, including U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. Foreign nationals should continue to consult their BAL professional before planning international travel.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global practice. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

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IMPACT – MEDIUM

The majority of EU member states are now issuing EU Digital COVID Certificates to promote a coordinated reopening effort across the region.

Key Points:

• The EU Digital COVID Certificate serves as digital proof that an individual is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, has received a negative test result or has previously recovered from the virus. The certificate is available to EU citizens vaccinated with an EU-approved vaccine.
• Member states hold the right to approve additional vaccines not approved by the EU, allowing their citizens to get the certificate if they were vaccinated with a vaccine approved by their destination country.
• In principle, individuals holding a certificate should be exempt from entry and travel restrictions for countries that have adopted the EU Digital COVID Certificate policy.
• According to the European Commission, certificates are now being issued by the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia,, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. Other countries are in various stages of finalizing plans to issue certificates.

Additional Information: Each country is responsible for issuing the certificate. Individuals can learn how to get the certificate by selecting the appropriate country on the map located here. EU member states that have not started issuing Digital COVID Certificates have until Aug. 12 to do so.

BAL Analysis: The certificate intends to simplify the reopening of travel within the EU and to provide a singular method to monitor vaccination, testing and recovery of EU member state citizens. Member states still hold the right to introduce additional health measures and entry restrictions as needed, so travelers should review the policies of their country of destination before travel. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

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IMPACT – MEDIUM

The European Council recently added 10 countries to its “green list” for which it recommends that member states lift entry restrictions.

Key Points:

• The European Council now recommends that member states lift entry restrictions for residents from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Canada, Jordan, Moldova, Montenegro, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
• The additional countries join Albania, Australia, Israel, Japan, Lebanon, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Rwanda, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and the United States as locations that are deemed safe.

Additional Information: Member states hold the right to impose entry restrictions and are not legally bound to apply the EU Council’s recommendations. Travelers should check the restrictions of of their country of destination.

BAL Analysis: The EU continues to update its COVID-19 travel recommendations, and while member states have, in many cases, moved to implement the recommendations, exact policies will vary from country to country. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

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IMPACT – HIGH

European countries are increasingly reducing or lifting travel restrictions for U.S. residents following the European Council’s move to add the U.S. to its “green list” earlier this month.

The countries that have lifted restrictions include:

• Belgium. As of June 21, travel restrictions have been lifted for U.S. residents. U.S. residents no longer need an Essential Travel Certificate or proof of a negative PCR test to enter the country. All travelers must complete the Passenger Health Locator Form prior to entry.
• Czech Republic. As of June 21, travel restrictions for U.S. travelers have been lifted, and U.S. travelers can enter the country for any reason. U.S. travelers do not need to complete the Czech arrival form, undergo testing, prove vaccination status or quarantine upon arrival.
• Denmark. As of June 19, vaccinated or unvaccinated U.S. residents can travel to Denmark for any reason, though unvaccinated travelers will be tested upon arrival. Specific travel requirements for U.S. residents intending to enter Denmark can be found here.
• France. As of June 9, the U.S. is listed as a “green” country. U.S. residents can enter France for any reason and face no restrictions. Vaccinated individuals must present proof of vaccination and provide a sworn statement declaring that no symptoms are present. Unvaccinated individuals must present a negative PCR or antigen test conducted within 72 hours before departure and a sworn statement declaring that no symptoms are present. More information is available here.
• Germany. As of June 20, U.S. residents are allowed to enter Germany unless traveling from a virus-variant area. Fully vaccinated or previously recovered individuals can forego quarantine and testing requirements.
• Greece. As of May 14, U.S. citizens and permanent residents are allowed to enter Greece. For more information on specific requirements before and after arrival, visit here.
• Italy. U.S. travelers may travel to Italy without a specific reason. Travelers must present a COVID-19 Green Certificate showing specific requirements and complete the Digital Passenger Locator Form to enter the country.
• Netherlands. Effective on June 24, restrictions are lifted for U.S. residents. U.S. residents can travel to the Netherlands for any reason and do not have to provide a negative test result or undergo a quarantine.
• Poland. As of June 19, U.S. residents are eligible for an entry-ban exemption, enabling entry into Poland. Upon arrival, all U.S. travelers who do not hold a quarantine exemption must undergo a 10-day home quarantine. Specific travel requirements and exemptions for U.S. residents entering Poland can be found here.
• Portugal. As of June 15, U.S. residents can travel directly from the U.S. to Portugal for non-essential travel provided they present proof of an accepted COVID-19 test. Specific travel requirements for entering Portugal can be found here.
• Spain. As of June 24, 2021, U.S. residents can travel from the U.S. to Spain if they present a QR code generated through the Spain Travel Health portal upon arrival. More information is available here.
• Switzerland. U.S. citizens are permitted entry if fully vaccinated or with proof of a negative COVID-19 test or recovery from a past COVID-19 infection. More information is available here.

BAL Analysis: Recent changes in restrictions make travel from the U.S. to many European countries easier. Travelers are reminded, however, that the U.S. continues to bar entry (including re-entry) to many foreign nationals who have been physically present in the Schengen Area, Ireland or the United Kingdom in the past 14 days. The bans will remain in place until they are lifted or modified by President Joe Biden. U.S. consulates continue to operate at reduced capacity, and applicants for visas and exemptions from the COVID-19 travel restrictions should expect delays. The U.S. government also requires proof of a negative COVID-19 test from all international air travelers, including U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. Foreign nationals should continue to consult their BAL professional before planning international travel.

This alert has been provided by Berry Appleman & Leiden. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@balglobal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@balglobal.com.

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IMPACT – HIGH

The European Union has updated its COVID-19 travel recommendations, removing Canada, Georgia and Tunisia from its “green list” of countries for which it recommends lifting entry restrictions. Singapore, meanwhile, was added to the list.

Key Points:

• The EU now recommends that member states lift entry restrictions on residents of the following countries: Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Uruguay.
• Restrictions on residents of Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao may also be lifted, subject to reciprocity.

Background: Countries may be moved onto or off the list depending on the changing COVID-19 infection rates in each country and countries’ policies toward residents of EU countries.

Analysis & Comments: The EU continues to update its COVID-19 travel recommendations, and while member states have, in many cases, moved to implement the recommendations, exact policies will vary from country to country. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for country-specific information.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

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IMPACT – MEDIUM

The European Union has updated its COVID-19 travel recommendations, removing Morocco from its “green list” of countries for which it recommends lifting entry restrictions.

Key points:

• The EU now recommends that member states lift entry on residents of the following countries: Australia, Canada, China (subject to confirmation of reciprocity), Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia and Uruguay.
• Residents of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and the Vatican are considered EU residents for the purpose of the recommendations.
• Travel restrictions remain in place for residents of all other non-EU/Schengen Area countries.
• In countries where travel restrictions apply, the EU recommends that the following people be exempt:
  • EU citizens and their family.
  • Long-term EU residents and their family.
  • Travelers with essential functions or needs.
• EU travel recommendations are reviewed every two weeks.

Background: On March 16, the EU adopted temporary restriction of all non-essential travel and the restrictions were extended several times. On July 1, the EU recommended that member states lift travel restrictions for residents of “green list” countries and many member states have done so. The list initially included 15 countries (including China), but officials subsequently removed Algeria, Montenegro and Serbia before removing Morocco last week.

Analysis & Comments: The EU continues to update its COVID-19 travel recommendations, and while member states have, in many cases, moved to implement the recommendations, exact policies will vary from country to country. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for country-specific information.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

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IMPACT – HIGH

The European Union has updated its COVID-19 travel recommendations, removing Algeria from its “green list” of countries for which it recommends lifting entry restrictions. The removal of Algeria comes two weeks after the EU removed Montenegro and Serbia from the list.

Key Points:

• The EU now recommends that member states lift entry restrictions on residents of the following countries: Australia, Canada, China (subject to confirmation of reciprocity), Georgia, Japan, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia and Uruguay.
• Residents of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and the Vatican are considered EU residents for the purpose of the recommendations.
• Travel restrictions remain in place for residents of all other non-EU/Schengen Area countries.
• In countries where travel restrictions apply, the EU recommends that the following people be exempt:
  • EU citizens and their family.
  • Long-term EU residents and their family.
  • Travelers with essential functions or needs.
• The travel recommendations will be reviewed every two weeks.

Background: On March 16, the EU adopted temporary restriction of all non-essential travel. Restrictions were extended several times. EU member states began lifting travel restrictions earlier this month after the EU recommended lifting some restrictions on July 1.

Analysis & Comments: The EU continues to update its COVID-19 travel recommendations, and while member states have, in many cases, moved to implement the recommendations, exact policies will vary from country to country. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for country-specific information.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.