HRS COVID-19 Weekly Report
Summary: by this week there is a divergence within countries’ policies in the region. While some of them are easing restrictions, some others are extending lock down periods. Mobility continues to be restricted, inclusive between different locations within some countries. Borders re-opening dates are still uncertain in most locations. Non-essential businesses continue a slow re-opening with restrictions.
Argentina
17,415 positive cases, 556 deaths. Total Lockdown continues until June 7th. Argentinian frontiers continue to be closed even for Argentine residents living abroad, but repatriations continue to be gradually implemented. More testing is taking place and the amount of cases is increasing on a daily basis, especially in Buenos Aires and its surrounding areas.
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 thermo-graphic 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? Our team does the renewal and negotiation and the documents are signed virtually. If the company does not accept this, we coordinate signature using a delivery service to take the originals from one venue to another.
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 kept on hold and renewal dates are pushed forward.
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.
Aruba
101 positive cases, 3 deaths (no changes from last week). The island has initiated the 3rd phase of local economy reopening scenario. As of June 1st, the following establishments will be allowed to reopen:
Lottery sales outlets
Restaurants with inside seating (patrons will be allowed until 10:00 p.m.)
Bakeries and Coffee-shops
Spas, Massage salons and saunas
All hygiene and social distancing protocols will continue to be mandatory. Casinos and nightclubs will not be allowed to reopen yet. A definitive date for reopening Aruba’s borders has not yet been announced. Government is working on this topic.
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
92 positive cases, 7 deaths (no changes from last week). Under the revised directive, reopening of the local economy has started, businesses can open with limited people inside premises, and schools remain closed. Barbados airport will remain closed to commercial flights until June 30th as previously stated, unless the COVID-19 situation changes drastically. International air travel suspended until June 30th.
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
10,531 positive cases, 343 deaths. The Government announced an extension of national quarantine measures through June 30th, 2020. Social distancing and the use of masks in public places remains obligatory.
Monday to Friday: Persons and vehicles are prohibited from circulating between the nighttime hours of 18:00 and 5:00 but may circulate during the day with limits on the number of people inside.
Saturday and Sunday: Vehicles are prohibited from circulating. People may circulate on foot or bicycle within 500 meters of their home. Classes and other public events remain suspended. Religious events where the attendance is below 30% of the capacity of the meeting place are permitted.
International flights remain suspended. All borders remain closed. Returning Bolivian citizens and residents, diplomats, members of special missions and international organizations, technical specialists, and drivers of international goods and cargo are exempted from the border closure.
Intermunicipal, interprovincial, and interdepartmental transportation services will be determined by the appropriate authorities according to the determined risk level. Government and private offices, job sites, and services that are open must work a "continuous day" which means they will not close for lunch but instead will stop work several hours earlier in the afternoon.
Departmental and municipal governments will determine commercial activity and other services and activities not governed by the national decree, and may add restrictions as needed by local conditions.
FAQ:
Are all the Immigration Offices in your country closed? No.
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.
Brazil
526,447 positive cases, 29,937 deaths. Some cities of Brazil have decreed lockdown. On May 22nd, 2020, the Minister of State Chief of Staff of the Presidency, Justice and Public Security,
Infrastructure and Health has just published the Ordinance Act 255, 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;
Citizens coming from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela are prohibited to enter in Brazil, even if they have (i) definitive residence, for a determined or indefinite period, in Brazilian territory; (ii) spouse, partner, child, father or curator of a Brazilian citizen; (iii) National Migration Registry and (iv) even if they are border residents in twin-cities.
For maritime and air transportation issues, some peculiarities must be specifically observed, such as: crew permanence, medical issues, unloading loads, connection for returning, technical landing, execution of humanitarian actions, among others.
The entry restriction of this Ordinance does not prevent the entry and stay of foreign maritime crew members holding an international maritime license issued under the terms of the International's Convention of Labor Organization, whose entry is required, by the maritime agent to the Federal Police, to perform specific functions on board a vessel or platform operating in judicial waters.
The seaman's book (identity card) may be replaced by a passport attributing seamanship status to its holder, provided that it is issued by a country signatory to the relevant International's Convention of Labor Organization.
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? The Immigration Offices are operating only for emergency cases, the Ministry of Justice is analyzing the immigration processes.
Is there any service online that can still be processed? The taxpayer number as well as the world booklet.
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? It is allowed to require emergency travel permission according to the situation and the Brazilian Government will analyze the case.
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
105,158 positive cases, 1,113 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
30,593 positive cases, 1,014 deaths. Quarantine has been extended until June 30th. All schools and Universities remain closed and will follow with virtual classes until July 31st. Borders and airports also remain closed. It is expected to be reopened by June 30th. All non-essential businesses also remain closed.
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
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, so no expiration dates will be observed. 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
17,572 positive cases, 502 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
39,994 positive cases, 3,394 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.
Guayaquil has been set to Yellow, but Quito remains in Red. It is planned (TBC) to reopen airports on June 1st.
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
2,653 positive cases, 46 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
5,336 positive cases, 116 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
153 positive cases, 12 deaths. Airports in Guyana still partially closed. Only outgoing, cargo, medevac, technical and any other specially authorized flights are allowed. Schools and Universities remain closed. Non-essential businesses remain closed. Curfew to take place between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. 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 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
5,362 positive cases, 217 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
93,435 positive cases, 10,167 deaths. Mandatory quarantine ended on June 1st. Most of the States of the Republic are in "red" traffic light, allowing very few economic activities to resume.
Airports and borders are not closed, the latter except the USA, crossing in both directions is only allowed in cases of emergency or force majeure. Travelers should not do a mandatory quarantine when entering the country, they only have to provide the following information:
Explanation of where you have traveled or have been residing in the last 6 weeks
Contact information, full name, phone, age
Declare if you have been in contact with someone with the virus. If the answer is positive, they ask for more information about it.
Seat number you had on the flight
Government offices are handling special cases in certain states, but they are closed until June 15th. The authorities warn that in case of not complying with the de-escalation plan according to the sanitary traffic light system, Mexico could return to quarantine. Destination services in the country are available, with specific security measures (healthy distance, sanitation of spaces, use of face masks, etc.) and with limitations in terms of number of people (2 clients maximum per service). Classes for all educational levels are online until further notice.
FAQ:
Are all the Immigration offices in your country closed? No. As of today, The National Institute of Migration (INM) continues to be open to the public as it is considered essential for national security. However, as a safety measure due to COVID-19 they currently have less staff working at their offices. As a result, overall immigration approval times could vary due to current workload of the immigration authorities in Mexico.
Is there any service online that can still be processed? Yes. It’s possible to check online the immigration process’ status. Also, it’s possible to schedule a Consulate Appointment online.
How are you managing the renewal cases? On May 27th the Federal Government has released a series of statements regarding timeframes applicable for Immigration processes. The objective of these statements is to promote social distancing by avoiding unnecessary visits to the National Institute of Migration (INM) and Mexican Consulates abroad. It states that certain timeframes applicable for Immigration processes are temporarily suspended from June 1st until the Health Ministry deems safe. The processes that were due on these dates will be exempt and considered as non-working days. This agreement covers Temporary and Permanent Visa holders.
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? No, if they comply with temporary regulations to apply for the renewal.
Are the companies going to be penalized if they have employees without the proper status? No, if they comply with temporary regulations to apply for the renewal.
Panama
13,837 positive cases, 344 deaths. From June 1st, it was allowed to reopen the following areas: construction, mining, industries, worship, parks and sports areas with 25% of its capacity. Curfew in place from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Sanitary check-points remain active. The restriction of mobility by gender has been removed. Children can leave home accompanied by an adult from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
FAQ:
Are all the Immigration offices in your country closed? Yes, up to June 7th. It will be reopened on June 8th only for lawyers. Labor offices for work permits will be reopened on June 16th.
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 June 7th.
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-June.
Paraguay
1,013 positive cases, 11 deaths. The country started the second phase of the “smart quarantine”: commercial stores and shopping can open but the food play parks remain closed. Restaurants and gyms remain closed. Individual training and sports can be done.
Hair dressers can start working with pre-arranged appointments. Corporate offices with rotating groups. Constructions, in general. Cultural activities without audience. Religious acts with limited attendants. This phase ends on June 15th.
However, if it is not done properly or a significant amount of positive cases is detected, then the whole country will move back to phase 1 at any point of this phase. Borders remain closed and it is unknown when they will be re-opened. Slowly, the government offices start running, but crowded offices and measures applied make processes even slower.
FAQ:
Are all the Immigration offices in your country closed? No
Is there any service online that can still be processed? No
How are you managing the renewal cases? They can be done, but take longer because of the overload of pending requests and the newly added requirements.
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? The latest statement released indicates that all the documents and dates due after March 13th are to be considered valid until the government offices officially opened to public.
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, they are not. But since the government offices started working they must start the process to regularize their situation.
Peru
170,039 positive cases, 4,634 deaths. State of Emergency extended until June 30th. On May 25th, limited economic activities deemed essential (including dentistry, ophthalmology, rehabilitation services, and veterinary medicine) were allowed to resume.
In addition, certain professional services such as plumbing, gardening, domestic appliance maintenance and repair, hairdressing, and cosmetology were allowed as long as these services are provided at a residence. People may also use private vehicles to procure food, medicine, and financial services within their districts of residence.
Only one person per vehicle is allowed. Private vehicles may now also be used to transport people with urgent medical needs. The Government has declared a curfew from 9:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. 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. In some regions such as Tumbes, Piura, Lambayeque, La Libertad and Loreto, the immobilization is in force from 6:00 p.m. m. until 4:00.
Beginning on Monday, May 18, children under 14 years of age, who are not presenting COVID-19 symptoms, will be allowed to leave their residence with an adult for a daily 30-minute walk from 12pm to 6pm.
They must stay within 500 meters of their residence and comply with all other health norms (maintain social distance and wear a facemask). In order to reduce the risk of community transmission of Covid-19 in Peru within children and adolescents under the age of 14, the Ministry of Health (Minsa) issued Epidemiological Alert No. 17-2020, which indicates that minors residing in high-risk districts and departments do not go out for the daily walk. The districts with hish risk are: San Juan de Lurigancho, Lima Cercado, San Martin de Porres, Ate, El Agustino, Comas, Villa el Salvador, La Victoria, San Juan de Miraflores, Santa Anita, Rímac, Villa María del Triunfo, Puente Piedra, Los Olivos, Chorrillos, Independencia, Carabayllo, San Miguel, Breña and Surquillo. While the regions considered to be at high risk of transmission by Covid-19 are: Arequipa, Callao, Ica, Junín, La Libertad, Lambayeque, Loreto, Piura, Tumbes and Ucayali, as well as all its provinces and districts.
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 announced that it will restart its online service this Wednesday, June 3 rd.
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? Foreigners must regularize their immigration status from June 3rd. The immigration office granted a regularization period of 45 days, starting on June 3rd.
Are these applicants going to be penalized in the future? Yes, they must regularize their procedures from June 3rd.
Are the companies going to be penalized if they have employees without the proper status? Yes, they must regularize their procedures from June 3rd.
Suriname
44 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. Not all school have restarted after the government announced the reopen this June 1st, some schools are not prepared to receive their students with special safety measures yet. 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
117 positive cases, 8 deaths. The island has started to re-open, public servants are back out in the next week. Offices and malls are opening up this week and Food service is open, but not to dine. Schools will remain shut until September and churches are not yet permitted to reopen. Borders will 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? 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
1,662 positive cases, 17 deaths. Population perception is that the numbers are not sincere. The local government has announced a 5x10 relaxation scheme, where the people can work during 5 days and get back to quarantine during 10 days.
Areas authorized to reopen are:
Construction sector (Will start working this Monday June 1st with the security industrial measures and social distance).
Commercial areas are allowed on the following schedules:
Hardware stores: 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Car repair shops: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Banks: will attend customers from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Monday through Thursday depending on the last number of the ID card, and Friday only legal clients)
Hair salons and cloth stores: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Medical consultation: 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (by appointment) Public offices remain closed.
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.