Summary: Mobility within the region continues to be restricted, but some countries has started relaxation measures. Although quarantine extensions seem to be the trend, some locations have initiated re-opening normal functioning of non-essential services.
Immigration offices started to function in some countries. Another ones started to release official information on how immigration procedures would be handled.
Argentina
8,371 positive cases, 382 deaths. Argentinian frontiers continue to be closed even for Argentine residents living abroad. Argentine nationals stranded abroad are slowly being repatriated by the national airline (Aerolíneas Argentinas).
Complete lockdown has been extended until May 24th inclusive in all cities with a population over 500 thousand. In smaller towns (with less than 500 thousand inhabitants) brief strolls are allowed of up to 1 hour in a 500 meter radius from home and before 8:00 p.m.
These outings are permitted only for walks, not taking public transportation, and must at all times comply with the use of face masks, recommendations of hygiene and social distancing. The government is beginning to ease restrictions in some sectors such as the automotive, chemical and textile industries.
Factories may open but personnel is not allowed to take public transport to and from work. Employers need to coordinate transportation means for them. Prevention protocols must be implemented at the workplace and also for anyone going out, complying with the use of face masks, recommendations of hygiene and social distancing.
High fines are applied for breaking the quarantine without justification or special permits. Outdoor activities will be authorized according to the policies and guidelines of each jurisdiction. As from Saturday 16th there is a possibility that moving companies may begin delivering household goods but can only do so on weekends.
This news is yet to become official. The major train and subway terminals in Buenos Aires have thermographic cameras to detect passengers with high fever. Schools and universities continue to be closed. Classes are being delivered virtually in most establishments.
National parks, theatres and cinemas continue to be closed. Banks are open and transactions can be made but only with previous appointments. Public and Administrative offices are closed until further notice.
FAQ:
Are all the Immigration Offices in your country closed? Yes.
Is there any service online that can still be processed? No.
How are you managing the renewal cases? Immigration Authorities have extended expiration dates for all residences (30 extra days).
If an applicant Visa cannot be renewed and he cannot travel due to the travel ban, what is the government doing in regards of the immigration status? Each case is analyzed separately and consulates are working hard to repatriate their citizens.
Are these applicants going to be penalized in the future? No.
Are the companies going to be penalized if they have employees without the proper status? Yes.
Aruba
101 positive cases, 3 deaths. The Aruba government has announced that the shelter in place rule, as well as the ban on gatherings of 4 persons or more is no longer valid as of Monday May 18th, as part of the Level 2 phase of reopening of the local economy. Schools will be allowed to reopen as of Monday – although several will not be reopening until at least May 25th to ensure that they are fully ready.
Additionally, shopping malls, churches and cinemas will be allowed to reopen, and construction projects will be allowed to resume as of May 18th also. Outdoor sports (except for contact sports) and training will also be allowed. No competitions will be allowed as yet.
The curfew will also remain in effect until further notice. All social distancing and hygiene protocols are to be maintained throughout. Aruba’s Minister of Tourism announced tentative plans to reopen Aruba’s borders and mentioned that this could be planned for some time between June 15th and July 1st.
He did stress repeatedly that this was purely tentative and depends very much on the local situation being fully under control and that the specific time-frame also will depend on a wide variety of protocols and preparations that would have to be finalized beforehand, but which are being worked on.
FAQ:
Are all the Immigration Offices in your country closed? No.
Is there any service online that can still be processed? Yes, all of them.
How are you managing the renewal cases? They can be filed with the actual restrictions of personnel.
If an applicant Visa cannot be renewed and he cannot travel due to the travel ban, what is the government doing in regards of the immigration status? Each case is analyzed separately.
Are these applicants going to be penalized in the future? No official information available.
Are the companies going to be penalized if they have employees without the proper status? No official information available.
Barbados
88 positive cases, 7 deaths. No further changes this week. Under the revised directive, the island will still be on a curfew from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. each day and all residents are expected to remain indoors except to purchase groceries, conduct banking business or visit a public market.
They are still on lockdown but do have less restrictions to movement during off curfew hours, low-risk business would be allowed to reopen, the sale of alcohol would no longer be prohibited, and beaches would be open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
FAQ:
Are all the Immigration Offices in your country closed? Yes.
Is there any service online that can still be processed? Only follow up of in-progress files.
How are you managing the renewal cases? Renewal/extensions will be resumed as soon as the quarantine has finished.
If an applicant Visa cannot be renewed and he cannot travel due to the travel ban, what is the government doing in regards of the immigration status? Each case is analyzed separately.
Are these applicants going to be penalized in the future? No.
Are the companies going to be penalized if they have employees without the proper status? No official information available.
Bolivia
4,263 positive cases, 174 deaths. Quarantine continues in place. Permissions to leave home between 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 (noon), allowed only for specific critical needs: Grocery/pharmacy, etc. organized by last digit of ID card: Mon: 1-2 Tues: 3-4 Wed. 5-6 Thurs: 7-8 Fri: 9-0.
Must have ID card. Age requirement 18-65. Saturday and Sunday there is no permissions to stay out. If found in violation of this, then a fine will be applied and also incarceration. No transportation. Transportation violation implies a fine plus jail.
FAQ:
Are all the Immigration Offices in your country closed? Yes.
Is there any service online that can still be processed? No.
How are you managing the renewal cases? Renewal/extensions will be resumed as soon as the quarantine has finished.
If an applicant Visa cannot be renewed and he cannot travel due to the travel ban, what is the government doing in regards of the immigration status? Each case is analyzed separately. There is no official information about a common policy.
Are these applicants going to be penalized in the future? Unknown.
Are the companies going to be penalized if they have employees without the proper status? No official information available.
Brasil
262,545 positive cases, 17,509 deaths. Some cities of Brazil have decreed lockdown and the Mayor of the city of São Paulo is studying to anticipate national holidays to Wednesday (May, 20th), Thursday (May 21st) and Monday (May, 25th) instead of lockdown.
On April 28th, 2020, the Minister of State Chief of Staff of the Presidency, Justice and Public Security, Infrastructure and Health has just published the Ordinance Act 203, exceptionally and temporarily restricting the entrance of immigrants in Brazil by air, regardless their nationality, for a period of 30 (thirty) days.
The measure is necessary due to the recommendation from the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) in order to combat the pandemic caused by COVID-19.
The restriction on foreigners entering the country does not apply to:
Brazilian, born or naturalized;
immigrant with permanent residence, for a fixed or indefinite period, in Brazilian territory;
foreign professional on mission at the service of an international organization, as long as duly identified;
foreign employee accredited by the Brazilian Government;
foreigner in the condition of:
a) spouse, partner, son, father or curator of a Brazilian;
b) whose entry is specifically authorized by the Brazilian Government in a clear public Interest; and c) bearer of the National Migration Registry;
transport of goods;
passenger in international transit, as long as he does not leave the international area of the airport and the country of destination admits his ticket;
technical landing to refuel when there is no need to disembark passengers of restricted nationalities; and
Flight crew and airline employees in the country for operational purposes, albeit foreign.
Exceptionally, the foreigner who is in a land frontier country and needs to cross it to board a flight back to his country of residence may enter Brazil and go directly to the airport to receive authorization from the Federal Police, upon previous official request from the embassy or consulate of your country of residence, upon presentation of the corresponding air tickets.
Failure to comply with these measures will result in civil, administrative and criminal liability, as well as immediate repatriation or deportation and the disqualification of an asylum claim.
FAQ:
Are all the Immigration offices in your country closed? No, our immigration offices are open to emergency cases. The immigration processes at the Ministry of Justice may have a delay compared to usual deadlines.
Is there any service online that can still be processed? Most of the services in Brazil are online and still can be proceeded, although it requires personal presentation and it is not possible at this moment.
How are you managing the renewal cases? We still can file the renewal request, although the analysis may take longer than expected.
If an applicant Visa cannot be renewed and he cannot travel due to the travel ban, what is the government doing in regards of the immigration status? As a general rule, with the protocol from the renewal is possible to return.
Are these applicants going to be penalized in the future? We still do not have this information, although considering the situation all over the world we believe they will not.
Are the companies going to be penalized if they have employees without the proper status? We still do not have this information, although considering the situation all over the world we believe they will not.
Chile
49,579 positive cases, 509 deaths. Control measures for the entry of foreigners have been reinforced, only Chileans are allowed to enter Chile and foreigners with an actual residence (not in process). Curfew from 22:00 to 05:00 is still in place.
There are sanitary barriers in various cities along Chile with strict control of entry and exit. All non-essential businesses continue closed. Some state offices are attending but only special cases.
Businesses that would be possible to perform remote work are doing so, but those that are strategically important continue to operate with minimal staff on shifts. Use of face masks is now mandatory on public transportation.
Some locations have implemented use of face masks mandatory while in the streets, but it is not countrywide yet. The Government has taken a new strategy doing massive tests on asymptomatic people, finding an increased positivity in the city of Santiago (about 85% of new cases are in Santiago). In consequence, exit permits to those who are quarantined have been restricted to 7 permits per week per RUT. There are currently 20 quarantined communes in the country.
New status on Immigration procedures: All Consular processes are suspended at least for 1 month. There is not a fixed date to have the system available yet. All Chilean consulates are closed for visa processing. Immigration processing system in Chile is working and we continue processing new cases and monitoring cases in progress. All tourist entrance must be extended before the due date.
FAQ:
Are all the Immigration offices in your country closed? Yes.
Is there any service online that can still be processed? Yes, the online processes are in force.
How are you managing the renewal cases? Permanent Residency renewals can be submitted online, as well as Visa renewal except from Visa Mercosur.
If an applicant Visa cannot be renewed and he cannot travel due to the travel ban, what is the government doing in regards of the immigration status? Up to this moment must do the regular renewal process or get a fine later.
Are these applicants going to be penalized in the future? Yes, if they do not renew their status.
Are the companies going to be penalized if they have employees without the proper status? Applying fines to companies is being reviewed on a case by case basis. It is possible that if it is the first time for this particular company, the fine can be avoided, but the record remains.
Colombia
16,295 positive cases, 592 deaths. Quarantine remains active in all country. Borders and airports also remain closed, all non-essential businesses also remain closed.
Children and young people will receive a relaxation on the quarantine, allowing children from 6 to 13 years old to go out for a period from 1pm to 3pm (accompanied by an adult) and teenagers from 14 years old to 17 will be allowed to go out from 3pm to 5pm. They will be allowed to transit 500 meters from their place on residence.
Children under 6 years old are not allowed to go out. New measures have taken place at stopping a rise in coronavirus infections near the border with Brazil, Amazon region residents are instructed to stay home unless making essential trips for food or medical help.
The latest restrictions are aimed at helping Colombia's overwhelmed hospital system and to provide safeguards for the indigenous people of the Amazon region.
FAQ:
Are all the Immigration offices in your country closed? Yes.
Is there any service online that can still be processed? Yes, the online processes are still being received.
How are you managing the renewal cases? Renewal/extensions will be resumed as soon as the quarantine has finished.
If an applicant Visa cannot be renewed and he cannot travel due to the travel ban, what is the government doing in regards of the immigration status? Expiration date will be extended.
Are these applicants going to be penalized in the future? No.
Are the companies going to be penalized if they have employees without the proper status? No official information about this topic.
Costa Rica
866 positive cases, 10 deaths. Costa Rican Government has decided that effective March 24th, 2020, all foreigners residing or with a valid immigration condition in the country, who leave the national territory, will automatically lose their immigration status.
Countrywide lockdown still in place. Only grocery, medicines or supply shopping is allowed. Any person arriving in the country will be passed into 14-day quarantine. All immigration processes are suspended until May 17th, so no expiration dates will be observed until that date.
The entrance of foreign citizens (including resident) is prohibited until June 15th (may be extended) except for the residents who had left Costa Rica before March 25th, legal residents and diplomats.
FAQ:
Are all the Immigration offices in your country closed? Yes.
Is there any service online that can still be processed? No.
How are you managing the renewal cases? The renewals can be executed through the Bank of Costa Rica and the Costa Rican Post Office, or B) By prior appointment in the Immigration Offices (once open) with an additional term that must not exceed July 17, 2020.
If an applicant Visa cannot be renewed and he cannot travel due to the travel ban, what is the government doing in regards of the immigration status? Visa extension is granted by the government until July 17th.
Are these applicants going to be penalized in the future? No.
Are the companies going to be penalized if they have employees without the proper status? If the permit or visa expires during the immigration office closing period, they are exempt of penalty.
Dominican Republic
13,223 positive cases, 441 deaths.
General Purpose Measures:
The government has declared the country in state of Emergency until May 10th, 2020.
Suspension of all consular services in the Dominican Republic and in the consulates abroad.
Cancelation of flights scheduled to and from Europe China, Korea and Iran.
Forced home quarantine for passengers who arrived from any of those countries into the Dominican Republic in the last 2 weeks.
Suspension of all cruises and port activity.
Closing of borders (except for departure of foreign nationals and cargo ships that carry basic supplements and fuels)
Suspension of School instruction until further notice.
Suspension of massive gatherings until further notice (restaurants only open for delivery and take out)
Suspension of commercial activities (except for pharmacies, supermarkets, gas stations, medical laboratories, hospitals)
Rigorous social quarantine for people 65+ years of age.
Implementation of home office and flexible hours.
Continue implementing social quarantine and hygiene measures
Everyone is expected to use face masks when outside
Specific Health Purpose Measures:
Release of COVID – 19 tests to certified labs
Enable more Quarantine Centers
Limit the number of visits of people in hospitals and clinics.
It is imperative to notify the authorities of any new case of COVID – 19.
Private Health Centers can enable special areas to treat COVID - 19
ARS Insurance companies in order to support prevention and containment measures have agreed to include in their covered services the COVID -19 test.
FAQ:
Are all the Immigration offices in your country closed? Yes.
Is there any service online that can still be processed? None at this time.
How are you managing the renewal cases? No cases are being managed at this time.
If an applicant Visa cannot be renewed and he cannot travel due to the travel ban, what is the government doing in regards of the immigration status? The government has not determined how they will handle travelers with expired immigration documents once the travel ban is removed.
Are these applicants going to be penalized in the future? The government has agreed to waive penalties while in state of emergency but we do not know for how long penalties will continue to be waivered after the state of emergency is removed.
Are the companies going to be penalized if they have employees without the proper status? The government has agreed to waive penalties while in state of emergency but we do not know for how long penalties will continue to be waivered after the state of emergency is removed.
Ecuador
34,151 positive cases, 2,839 deaths. Country is starting a new phase, it’s no longer called quarantine, but treated as an epidemiologic “traffic light” and is now controlled locally by city.
This means, that each mayor/local authorities are now in control as of when each city will change the “traffic light” color for businesses, retail and travel.
“Red” color means everything is still closed for public, only food delivery and essential food markets are opened. Martial Law from 2 pm until 5 am is enforced. No public transportation. All boarders are to remain closed, hence airports are closed during this traffic light color (“Red”).
Ministry of Foreign Affairs is closed so no visas are being issued. “Orange/Yellow” color means businesses will slit workforce with only 50% of its capacity, the rest is to remain teleworking. Martial Law will extend from 6 pm until 5 am. Transportation will renew only with 30% of its capacity. Retail will reopen with 30% of occupancy capacity.
“Green” color means workforce will return with 70% capacity known as the new normal way of social distancing. Car circulation will be defined with even or odd with the last number of the registration plates. Martial law will extend from 9 pm until 5 am.
Businesses and retail can operate with occupancy capacity of 50%. All borders and airports are to remain closed until further notice.
FAQ:
Are all the Immigration offices in your country closed? Yes.
Is there any service online that can still be processed? No.
How are you managing the renewal cases? No cases are being managed at this time. All immigration process are on hold.
If an applicant Visa cannot be renewed and he cannot travel due to the travel ban, what is the government doing in regards of the immigration status? Immigration status will be set on hold.
Are these applicants going to be penalized in the future? The government has agreed to waive penalties while in state of emergency but we do not know for how long penalties will continue to be waivered after the state of emergency is removed.
Are the companies going to be penalized if they have employees without the proper status? No official information.
El Salvador
1,498 positive cases, 30 deaths. Curfew continues in place. Borders continue closed except for Salvadorian citizens and legal residents. Any person arriving in the country will be passed into 30-day quarantine. All immigration processes continue being processed.
FAQ:
Are all the Immigration offices in your country closed? Yes.
Is there any service online that can still be processed? No.
How are you managing the renewal cases? No cases are being managed at this time. All immigration process are on hold.
If an applicant Visa cannot be renewed and he cannot travel due to the travel ban, what is the government doing in regards of the immigration status? No official information released.
Are these applicants going to be penalized in the future? It is not known for the time being. The government has not yet decided. Due to the exceptional circumstances, It is believed (but not confirmed) that there will be some kind of flexibility and understanding from the government).
Are the companies going to be penalized if they have employees without the proper status? No official information released.
Guatemala
2,001 positive cases, 38 deaths. Borders are closed for foreign visitors. Legal residents can only arrive in Guatemala by land from Mexico. 15-day Mandatory quarantine for residents arriving. All ongoing/incomplete immigration processes of foreigners that were left due to the virus spread are on hold. Until now, no prolongation for visitors visa due to the COVID-19 situation. Quarantine extended with curfew from 16h00 until 4h00. Use of surgical mask is mandatory countrywide while in the streets. Government facilities are open and working attending limited numbers of users. Public transportation has been suspended. No transit is allowed between localities but only food and medicines.
FAQ:
Are all the Immigration offices in your country closed? No.
Is there any service online that can still be processed? There are 3 services that can be processed online:
1) Schedule a passport appointment for nationals, carriers, diplomatic corps and cases previously authorized by the Immigration offices;
2) Consultation of precautionary detention status;
3) Consultation of residence and visa status of processes initiated before March 5th.
How are you managing the renewal cases? As normal but aligned with social distancing rules.
If an applicant Visa cannot be renewed and he cannot travel due to the travel ban, what is the government doing in regards of the immigration status? Foreign persons are allowed to leave the Republic of Guatemala using the land routes, under their strict responsibility, through the border of the states next to Guatemala who allow it. The foreign persons who entered the country in a regular way for tourism or business purposes can remain in the country while the Public Calamity Decree lasts. The foreign persons who remain in an irregular way before March 5th, need to fix their immigration status by going to the immigration office central building.
Are these applicants going to be penalized in the future? Yes.
Are the companies going to be penalized if they have employees without the proper status? Yes.
Guyana
124 positive cases, 10 deaths. Airports in Guyana still partially closed. Only outgoing, cargo, medevac, technical and any other specially authorized flights are allowed. Schools remains closed until further notice. Many non-essential business are starting to close down in order to secure social distance.
Mandatory 12-hour curfew is in place for all citizens, except those that has any confirmed emergency. Mask up campaign is ongoing; several mask are being freely delivered by the local government in order to incentivize the mask wear at all times. New measures expected for May 20th.
FAQ:
Are all the Immigration offices in your country closed? Yes.
Is there any service online that can still be processed? No.
How are you managing the renewal cases? All immigration processes are suspended.
If an applicant Visa cannot be renewed and he cannot travel due to the travel ban, what is the government doing in regards of the immigration status? No official information released.
Are these applicants going to be penalized in the future? No official information released.
Are the companies going to be penalized if they have employees without the proper status? No official information released.
Honduras
2,798 positive cases, 146 deaths. Borders are closed for foreign visitors. 14-day Mandatory quarantine for residents arriving. All ongoing/incomplete immigration processes of foreigners that were left due to the virus spread are on hold.
FAQ:
Are all the Immigration offices in your country closed? Yes.
Is there any service online that can still be processed? No.
How are you managing the renewal cases? No cases are being managed at this time. All immigration process are on hold.
If an applicant Visa cannot be renewed and he cannot travel due to the travel ban, what is the government doing in regards of the immigration status? It is not known for the time being. The government has not yet decided. In case a foreigner is checked, the local authorities are showing a relative flexibility and understanding due to the exceptional situation.
Are these applicants going to be penalized in the future? If the permit or visa expires during the immigration office closing period, they are exempt of penalty.
Are the companies going to be penalized if they have employees without the proper status? If the permit or visa expires during the immigration office closing period, they are exempt of penalty.
Mexico
51,633 positive cases, 5,332 deaths. Suspension of all non-essential activities still in place, including a social quarantine applicable nationwide. Northern States continue implementing a mandatory face mask use.
FAQ:
Are all the Immigration offices in your country closed? No, they are currently operating at a slower pace and with fewer personnel. They are also restricting the number of people that can enter the Immigration offices at once. The Immigration offices closed from April 6th to April 10th apparently due Holy week. However, as of today (April 13th) they restored its operation.
Is there any service online that can still be processed? The Immigration Offices are still updating information on ongoing cases on the official website. However, there are several restrictions on the website to schedule appointments at the Mexican Consulates abroad.
How are you managing the renewal cases? The Federal Government released a statement on April 1st in regards to the National Institute of Migration. The document states that all procedures that would have to take place from April 1st - April 30th, 2020 (e.g. renewals) wouldn’t be considered within the legal framework. This means that the expiration dates on the cards would be postponed, since the timeframe wouldn’t be considered as working days.
If an applicant Visa cannot be renewed and he cannot travel due to the travel ban, what is the government doing in regards of the immigration status? The Immigration Office is currently open and receiving requests including renewals.
Are these applicants going to be penalized in the future? The exception would only be applicable for foreigners that would have to renew their residence card within April 1st - April 30th. Beyond this timeframe, the authority hasn’t mentioned any exception. Therefore, the renewals would have to be filed on time and before the card’s expiration date to avoid any fines.
Are the companies going to be penalized if they have employees without the proper status? The exception would only be applicable for foreigners that would have to renew their residence card within April 1st - April 30th. Beyond this timeframe, the authority hasn’t mentioned any exception. If a foreigner doesn’t renew his/her card on time and before the expiration date, the company would have to remove him/her from the Mexican Payroll as a result of the irregular status in the country. Once the renewal is finished, the company would be able to enroll the foreigner again under the Mexican payroll.
Panama
9,726 positive cases, 279 deaths. Permanent curfew. People only have 2 hours a day, 3 times a week to buy essential supplies at the supermarket and the pharmacy depending on the last number of the ID plus Curfew from 5pm to 5am.
Women: Monday-Wednesday-Friday Men: Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday. Elder people have special schedule from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Everybody must stay at home on Saturdays and Sundays. Closure of borders still in place.
All Flights were canceled until June 22nd. Suspension of classes at all levels, although some schools and universities are delivering classes online. Cancellation of social, sporting, cultural and religious events. Sanitary checkpoints between cities to prevent people from going out of the city and to the beaches. Mandatory quarantine for the entire population.
Isolation for 14 days people coming from abroad is mandatory. The only places that should be opened are the pharmacies and supermarkets. Some restaurants are opened only to order by delivery.
Price and quantity control for cleaning and personal hygiene products. There is a call center to answer questions – 169. R.O.S.A virtual platform (automated health response) digital medical office attended by doctors and can be used also by WhatsApp.
All migratory processes are suspended. Authorities are not going to ask for updated visas on the streets. Expired passports are allowed. All embassies are closed. All the Immigration offices are closed up to April 30th.
Labor offices for work permits are closed as well. There is a solidarity plan for vulnerable people. The government is distributing in the neighborhoods food bags and bonds of $ 80 to be used in markets and pharmacies to minimize the impact of people losing their jobs, not having funds/food to eat.
Reopening of the economy will be gradual. Some economic activities will be allowed to reopen but complying with the health protocols issued by the Ministry of Health and the Government.
Ministry of Health has authorized to reopen some activities: electronic commerce, mechanical and spare parts, technical services such as: plumbers, electricians, A / C maintenance, elevators, and pool cleaning. Artisanal fishing and industrial aquaculture. They must comply with sanitary measures.
FAQ:
Are all the Immigration offices in your country closed? Yes.
Is there any service online that can still be processed? No, only the follow up of the cases already filed.
How are you managing the renewal cases? We begin with the contact of the assignee, share requirements, prepare Power of Attorney, Sworn Declaration, receive electronic copies, prepare labor letter, PoA for company and any other document need, so when we are back in office, we just pick up documents, and coordinate filing.
If an applicant Visa cannot be renewed and he cannot travel due to the travel ban, what is each government doing in regards of the immigration status? No fines will be imposed for expired visas, but must review case by case.
Are these applicants going to be penalized in the future? No, if expired between March 12th and April 30th.
Are the companies going to be penalized if they have employees without the proper status? No, if they expiration falls between the above mentioned period. If the expiration was before the closure, there might be a fine, but will not count during the period of March-May.
Paraguay
829 positive cases, 11 deaths. The country started the first phase of the so called “smart quarantine”, which will go until May 25th. Some of the Government offices started working, like the City Hall, the Office of IDs and passports, Interpol, among others. Since today, the Immigration Office will start receiving the public with a system of pre-arranged appointments. However, starting processes in these offices is still very difficult, since these places are full of people in line expecting to regularize their situation.
FAQ:
Are all the Immigration offices in your country closed? No. They are slowly re-opening.
Is there any service online that can still be processed? Yes. Pre-arrange an appointment.
How are you managing the renewal cases? By pre-arranging an appointment.
If an applicant Visa cannot be renewed and he cannot travel due to the travel ban, what is each government doing in regards of the immigration status? All documents and appointments made after March 13th are to be considered valid until they fully re-open to public.
Are these applicants going to be penalized in the future? If they attend to regularize their immigration status as soon as the immigration offices re-open, then no penalization is foreseen.
Are the companies going to be penalized if they have employees without the proper status? If they attend to regularize their immigration status as soon as the immigration offices re-open, then no penalization is foreseen.
Peru
94,933 positive cases, 2,789 deaths. State of Emergency extended until May 24th. The Government has declared a curfew from 8pm to 4am for Lima and most of Peru, every day from Monday to Saturday and an all-day curfew every Sunday until the end of the quarantine.
Also, published a legislative decree, which stipulates the gradual re-opening of the economy in four stages. The first stage of the recovery, which will start in May, will enable certain restaurants to offer on-site pick-up and home delivery services.
In addition, during the first stage, limited hotel and tourist transportation services will be allowed. Some economic activities will be allowed to reopen first but complying with the health protocols issued by the government.
On April 20, Health Minister announced the executive approval of a legislative decree that gives the Ministry of Health greater control in directing COVID-19 patients to both public and private hospitals.
Please be aware that this decree is likely to limit your ability to choose where you receive medical treatment in Peru should you require treatment of any kind. The use of facemasks in public is mandatory.
Limitation of movements to citizens, all citizens must stay at home, except in cases of force majeure. At any case the movement of citizens will be always unaccompanied. The only movement allowed is for 1 person per household that can do necessary things like buying food or going to the bank.
Closure of all establishments carrying out public activity except for the distribution of food, hospitals, pharmacies, basic needs, and banks. All educational activity in person is suspended.
Terms are suspended and time limits for processing procedures of public sector entities are interrupted. Banks can open from 9am to 4pm and their workers will be allowed to be able to reach their homes until 8pm.
Supermarkets, food sellers and pharmacies can open from 9am to 5pm and their workers will be allowed to be able to reach their homes until 8pm. Public offices are closed. Regional and International Frontiers have been closed until further notice.
FAQ:
Are all the Immigration Offices in your country closed? Yes, all the Immigration offices are closed until the end of the State of Emergency decreed by the Government.
Is there any service online that can still be processed? Yes, users can track their file online. On the other hand, if they have a query, they can call the Migrations telephone exchange. Only the two procedures mentioned above can be carried out.
How are you managing the renewal cases? Immigration Office issued a statement in which indicates that all the terms to carry out the renewals are suspended until the end of the State of Emergency. So when the state of emergency ends we will proceed to obtain appointments in migrations to carry out the renewals.
If an applicant Visa cannot be renewed and he cannot travel due to the travel ban, what is each government doing in regards of the immigration status? For people who cannot renew their visa and cannot leave the country, the Government has suspended the term so that after the end of the State of Emergency they can do so if their immigration procedures are harmed.
Are these applicants going to be penalized in the future? The applicants won’t be penalized. But when the State of Emergency ends, they must regularize their procedures.
Are the companies going to be penalized if they have employees without the proper status? No.
Suriname
11 positive cases, 1 death. President announced an easing of the curfew from 23:00 to 05:00. The lock-down on the Marowijne, Lawa and Tapanahony rivers will be eased from 18:00 to 06:00. An economic support program will be put in place and resumption of schools is being planned for June 1st. Borders remains closed until further notice.
FAQ:
Are all the Immigration Offices in your country closed? Yes.
Is there any service online that can still be processed? No.
How are you managing the renewal cases? All immigration processes are suspended.
If an applicant Visa cannot be renewed and he cannot travel due to the travel ban, what is each government doing in regards of the immigration status? No official information released.
Are these applicants going to be penalized in the future? No official information released.
Are the companies going to be penalized if they have employees without the proper status? No official information released.
Trinidad
116 positive cases, 8 deaths. No changes during last week. “Stay at home” measures still in effect for the non-essential labor force. Trinidad and Tobago initiated the first phase of the easing of restrictions put in place to control the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on Monday, May 18th.
The initial phase includes the reopening of some business sectors but only under certain health conditions. Restaurants and other food establishments may reopen for takeaway and delivery services, but in-service dining and congregations of more than five people are prohibited.
Hardware stores, pharmacies, and supermarkets will be allowed to operate 12-hours a day. Schools will remain shut down until September and churches are not yet permitted to reopen. Also is confirmed that the country's borders will continue to be closed until June.
FAQ:
Are all the Immigration Offices in your country closed? Yes.
Is there any service online that can still be processed? Only extension of stay can be managed through e-mails.
How are you managing the renewal cases? Only extension of stay can be managed through e-mails.
If an applicant Visa cannot be renewed and he cannot travel due to the travel ban, what is each government doing in regards of the immigration status? There is no official information.
Are these applicants going to be penalized in the future? No.
Are the companies going to be penalized if they have employees without the proper status? No.
Venezuela
618 positive cases, 10 deaths. Population perception is that the numbers are not sincere. School and non-essential businesses remains closed.
Quarantine still active in all regions, all international and domestic flights still banned. No further measures have been taken by the local government. Quarantine and State of Emergency have been extended 30 days (until May 13th).
In addition, fuel crisis has affected all mobility inside the country, only a few gas stations are providing services for medical personnel, official transportation and special government authorized vehicles. Quarantine has been relaxed for kids up to 14 years old and eldest people (65+), so they are allowed to go out on weekends.
FAQ:
Are all the Immigration offices in your country closed? Yes. Is there any service online that can still be processed? Only PCC requests and appointments for Apostille request. Nevertheless, appointments will be scheduled after the quarantine has finished. How are you managing the renewal cases? All immigration processes are suspended. No renewals can be filed. If an applicant Visa cannot be renewed and he cannot travel due to the travel ban, what is the government doing in regards of the immigration status? His migratory status will be on hold until the end of the quarantine. Are these applicants going to be penalized in the future? No official information released. Are the companies going to be penalized if they have employees without the proper status? No official information released.