Immigration updates for the APAC and EMEA regions
Asia-Pacific
China: Vaccination certificates mandatory for entry visa applications
Several Chinese visa centers/embassies worldwide have confirmed that they will now require vaccination certificates as part of the entry visa application process. This is for those who are already qualified for vaccinations in their respective countries. Applicants aged 12-13 will also need to be vaccinated if the vaccine is being offered in their country of residence.
There has been no official announcement regarding this new requirement (except from South Korea), and even within the same country, the policies can differ. Applicants are encouraged to double-check at the time of submitting their application.
Additionally, the vaccination certificates are now being requested at the pre-entry PU Invitation Stage. This means that vaccination certificates are mandatory to apply for a Chinese entry visa.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Chinese Visa Centers and Embassies.
Additional requirements for residence permit applications
The Beijing Entry-Exit Bureau announced the following additional requirements for new Beijing residence permit applicants:
- Former Chinese citizens who have acquired foreign citizenship need to provide a Naturalization Certificate, original birth certificate, and foreign proof of permanent residence (green card).
- Applicants of Chinese descent or possibly those from neighboring East/Southeast Asian countries need to provide an original birth certificate or other proof of birthplace/parentage.
In the event original versions are not available, clear scanned copies may be acceptable.
The above does not apply to those who already hold valid Beijing residence permits when applying for permit extensions. Currently, this new requirement only applies in Beijing, as other Chinese cities have yet to release similar announcements. As a precaution, it would be advisable to prepare the same documentation.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Beijing Entry-Exit Bureau.
India: Revision of existing guidelines for international arrivals
The Indian government has revised existing guidelines for international arrivals in India. The Standard Operating Procedure took effect on October 25, 2021, and will be in place until further notice. A list of countries from where travelers would need to follow additional measures can be found here.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Government of India.
Guide to linking passport number with Covid vaccine certificate
As most countries are now asking travelers to be fully vaccinated before travel, the Indian government has added an option of linking individual passport numbers to vaccine certificates online.
- Step 1: Visit the CoWIN website using the following link – CoWIN
- Step 2: Sign in using the registered mobile number given at the time of vaccination
- Step 3: Click on “International travel certificate”
- Step 4: Insert date of birth, passport number and submit. Please note changes cannot be made to the passport details after submitting this request.
To facilitate international travel, firstly the citizen must be fully vaccinated with the required two doses, and secondly, their passport must be linked to the vaccine certificate.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Indian Express.
Tourist Visa – updated
Following our last update, the Indian government has now resumed e-Tourist Visas for group tourism by chartered flights. They will open for individual tourists after November 15, 2021, for fresh Tourist Visa/e-Visas issued after October 06, 2021. Please note the use of earlier issued (prior to October 6, 2021) Tourist Visas/e-Visas are not valid presently. E-Tourist Visas will be issued for a duration of one month (30 days) with single entry, non-extendable, and non-convertible.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Government of India.
Philippines: Travel guidelines and restrictions
The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has released the summary of travel guidelines and restrictions according to Resolution 141-B, 142, 143, 144-B dated September 30, 2021, October 7, 2021, October 13, 2021, and October 14, 2021, respectively. Countries shall be categorized into three classifications and all travelers from these countries are subject to appropriate entry, testing and quarantine protocols depending on their “listing.”
- Red list (high-risk):
- All arrivals regardless of vaccination status coming from, or who have been to countries under the red list within the last 14 days, will be banned from entry.
- Only Filipinos returning to the country are allowed to enter but must be subject to the following entry, testing and quarantine protocols:
- Undergo a 14-day quarantine upon arrival. First ten days of which shall be observed in a quarantine facility and the remaining four days can be completed under home quarantine.
- RT-PCR testing shall be conducted on the seventh day with the date of arrival being the first day.
- The Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) shall ensure strict symptom monitoring while in the facility quarantine for ten days.
- Transiting passengers do not need to complete a full 14-day facility-based quarantine but they should comply with the existing protocols.
Entry guidelines for arrivals from ‘’Green and Yellow’’ countries can be found here.
The travel restriction on Tourist Visa holders is still being enforced. Generally, Tourist Visa holders are not allowed to enter the country except if they have a valid travel ban exemption and entry visa. Existing guidelines for arriving Section 9(e) visa holders and crew members shall still be observed.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Republic of Philippines.
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).
Europe, Middle east and Africa
Russia: Internal restrictions
Due to the Covid-19 situation in Russia, the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, signed the Decree No. 595 on October 20, 2021, according to which a “non-working days“ regime will be introduced from October 30 until November 7, 2021. It is possible that the heads of the Federal states will take the decision to extend the regime after November 7, 2021.
The following restrictions have been announced:
- Cafés and restaurants are only open for takeaway and delivery.
- QR code entry is only allowed for theatres and museums (issued based on PCR test, vaccination, or recovery from coronavirus infection).
- Citizens over 60 years are prohibited from leaving their place of residence without a valid reason, except for vaccinated citizens or those who have been treated and recovered from Covid-19 within the last six months.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Russian Government (in Russian).
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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