Immigration news update for AMER, APAC and EMEA
Americas
Canada: Eased testing requirements
The Canadian government has eased the testing requirements for international travelers. From June 11 until June 30, fully vaccinated travelers are no longer required to provide Covid-19 test results. Passengers who are not fully vaccinated are still subject to the entry requirements upon arrival. As of July 1, testing will not be at the airports but at off-site locations.
Moreover, there are no changes to mandatory random arrival testing at land borders.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Government of Canada.
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Roberta Carnaccini, Global Operations Director, Immigration.
Asia-Pacific
Thailand: Thailand Pass registration
The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has approved the removal of the Thailand Pass registration scheme and an USD 10,000 health insurance requirement for foreign visitors, effective July 1, 2022.
From July 1, 2022, foreign nationals are only required to show one of the following:
- Vaccination certificate
- A negative RT-PCR
- Professional ATK test result within 72 hours of travel
These can be in a print or digital format. Random checks will be made on arrivals at Thailand’s international airports or land border checkpoints (in 22 provinces).
Unvaccinated/not fully vaccinated travelers who are randomly checked and  unable to show proof of a pre-arrival negative test will be required to undergo a professional ATK test at the point of entry. Random testing will continue until the government lifts measures issued under the emergency decree imposed to deal with Covid-19.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Thailand Business News.
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Debra Jane Beynon, Regional Immigration Manager (APAC).Â
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Finland: Fast-track processing for residence permit and D visas
The Finnish government is providing fast-track processing for residence permit and D visas. Individuals can apply if they are entering the country as:
- EU Blue Card holder
- Specialist (or specialist with an intra-corporate transfer residence permit)
- Start-up entrepreneur holding and approved eligible statement from Business Finland
- Family member
Individuals must apply while they are outside of Finland and submit their application through EnterFinland website. The Finnish employer should also complete the employee’s terms and conditions through the website within 48 hours of the application’s submission.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Finnish Immigration Service.
Germany: Entry restrictions for most travelers is lifted
German authorities announced that Covid-19 entry restrictions for most travelers is lifted, except for arrivals from China. Individuals traveling to Germany for tourism or to visit people will no longer have to show a Covid-19 vaccination certificate, recovery certificate or negative Covid-19 test to enter the country. Other nationals living in China must have an important reason to travel to Germany.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Federal Foreign Office.
Ireland: Suspension of re-entry visas for minors
Effective immediately, the Department of Justice announced that re-entry visas for minor children under the age of 16 is suspended. Minors under the age of 16 living with their parents who hold residence permission will no longer require a re-entry visa and will be able to travel while accompanying their parents.
Re-entry visa applications that were submitted, will be returned to applicants along with their original documents.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Department of Justice.
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Laxmi Vikraman, Regional Immigration Manager (EMEA).
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