Summary: while the world approaches 15 million infections, many countries are struggling to reopen their economies. However, Latin America is torn between the reopening of non-essential services and the extension of quarantine periods.
Argentina
130,774 positive cases, 2,373 deaths. Buenos Aires is slowly coming out of complete lockdown but this measure will depend on whether the amount of cases continues to decrease. The next deadline is August 2nd, 2020.
Essential industries are allowed to work as well as manufacturing industries as long as they respect the sanitary protocol and provide private commuting system for all workers. Argentinian frontiers continue to be closed even for Argentine residents living abroad, but repatriations continue to be gradually implemented.
High fines are applied for breaking the quarantine without justification or special permits. Special permits need to be renewed if people need to leave their homes. Inspections are taking place on all major highways. Limited outdoor activities are authorized according to the policies and guidelines of each jurisdiction.
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. Limited outdoor activities are authorized according to the policies and guidelines of each jurisdiction.
As from July 27th, moving companies in the province of Buenos Aires are authorized to deliver household goods as long as they have a special permit. Deliveries can only take place on weekends. Realtors are allowed to begin working as from July 27th, as well as home maintenance services.
The major train and subway terminals in Buenos Aires have thermo- graphic cameras to detect passengers with high fever and you need to book in advance your seat to travel by train. Schools and universities continue to be closed.
Classes are being delivered virtually in most establishments. Some national parks are opening up and runners in the Capital of Buenos Aires can go out in the evenings. Banks are open and transactions can be made but only with previous appointments. Public and Administrative offices, as well as Immigration offices are closed in Buenos Aires and Province of Buenos Aires until further notice.
FAQ:
• Are all the Immigration Offices in your country closed? They are closed in Buenos Aires but they are beginning to open up in some provinces, depending on the amount of COVID cases reported in such locations. These provinces will be attending to the public with appointments only and social distancing protocols. • Is there any service online that can still be processed? Yes. The extension of Temporary Residencies can be requested on line. Once documentation is uploaded onto the immigration platform, authorities issue the Certificate of Residencia Precaria together with an appointment to complete the renewal process, at which Applicant will need to show original documents and his/her biometrics will be taken. If appointments are rescheduled, the Certificate of Residencia Precaria will automatically be extended. • How are you managing the renewal cases? All visas are being renewed automatically every 30 days. Even though and if possible, we are initiating the on-line renewal process for the Temporary Residencies in order to comply with the immigration regulations. • 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? All temporary residencies are being automatically renewed each 30 days. • Are these applicants going to be penalized in the future? No, but in the case of the Temporary Residencies we strongly suggest the renewal process to be initiated on line in order to obtain an appointment by the National Immigration Office. • Are the companies going to be penalized if they have employees without the proper status? No.
Aruba
115 positive cases, 3 deaths. Border reopening plans remain unchanged. 3rd phase of local economy reopening still ongoing. Borders with the USA already opened on July 10th but Latin America is still on hold.
Requirements for entry:
• Mandatory ED card* to be filled in – this will be available online as of June 25th at www.edcardaruba.aw • Self health declaration form to be submitted 72 hours prior to travel • Visitors are encouraged to take a COVID-19 test (PCR) before traveling (in the US CVS and Rite-Aid do offer these tests) and to upload the test results to a new digital platform that the Aruba authorities are setting up or to bring their test proof with them. Alternatively, visitors will need to pre-pay for a mandatory test upon arrival in Aruba (price initially indicated at US$75) • Must have COVID-19 medical insurance coverage. (Aruba has arranged for insurance to be provided by insurance companies based in Aruba). An indication of the insurance cost was given by the Minister of Tourism and this was US$15 per insured person per day. It is also possible for a visitor to take out their own specific COVID-19 insurance coverage. • Must consent to cooperate with all Aruba’s COVID-19 procedures and instructions including testing (if applicable), quarantine etc. • Must wear a mask on the flight to Aruba (not required while vacationing on the island but recommended nonetheless where social distancing is more of a challenge).
Upon arrival there will be additional procedures at the Aruba airport:
• Temperature screening • Obligatory PCR testing of ALL arriving passengers (except for those who have previously submitted proof of a PCR test) and a mandatory 24-hour quarantine at the traveler’s accommodation while awaiting test results. • Visitors who have submitted proof of a negative test during their ED card application will receive a temperature check and health interview by a medical professional, and if cleared, no further testing or 24-hour quarantine will be applicable to them • Visitors who test positive will be transported to alternative accommodations for isolation and will not be staying at their originally reserved accommodations until recovered, at which point they can resume their vacation or depart from Aruba. • Quarantine will be required for travel companions of a person who is suspected to be positive until the test results are available • Travel companions of a person who is confirmed to be positive will need to go into quarantine for 14 days.
*The ED Card being referred to is not actually a card but the digital version of the Embarkation- Disembarkation Card that is handed out on flights to Aruba. The government has indicated that the ED Card website will be online on June 25th and aside from facilitating filling in the form digitally, it will also allow uploading of proof that a COVID-19 test has been done for persons who have taken the test before arriving in Aruba and wish to upload their proof beforehand.
Proof can also be provided in a printed document upon arrival and that would also exempt one from needing to take the COVID-19 test here in Aruba. The Aruba Government has stated that procedures are subject to change and updates will be provided accordingly.
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
106 positive cases, 7 deaths. Reopening of the local economy continues, businesses are mostly open with limited people inside premises, schools remain closed. All curfew restrictions have been lifted. Effective social distancing measure is 1 meter (approx. 3 feet).The borders have been officially open. Travelers are required to complete the online Immigration and Customs Form which must be available 72 hours prior to your arrival in Barbados.
FAQ:
• Are all the Immigration Offices in your country closed? No • Is there any service online that can still be processed? Yes, the usual ones. • How are you managing the renewal cases? A usual, but bearing in mind that public servants are working in reduced shifts. • 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? Each case is analyzed separately. • Are the companies going to be penalized if they have employees without the proper status? No official information available.
Bolivia
60,991 positive cases, 2,218 deaths. 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.
Inter-county, 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
2,118,646 positive cases, 80,120 deaths.
Government authorities published the Ordinance No. 340, on June 30, 2020, exceptionally and temporarily restricting the entrance of immigrants in Brazil by air, sea and land transportation, regardless of their nationality, for a period of 30 (thirty) days. The measure is necessary due to the recommendation of 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; • Immigrants with permanent residence, for a fixed or indefinite period, in Brazilian territory; • Foreign professionals on mission at the service of an international organization, as long as duly identified; • Passengers in international transit, as long as he does not leave the international area of the airport and the country of destination admits your entrance; • Foreign employees accredited by the Brazilian Government; • Foreigners 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 or for humanitarian reasons; and c) bearer of the National Migration Registry; • Charge transportation.
For maritime and air transportation issues, some peculiarities must be specifically observed, such as: crew permanence, medical issues, operational matters, unloading loads, connection for returning, technical landing, among others. 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 under an authorization from the Federal Police and: (i) go directly to the airport; (ii) based on an previous official authorization from the embassy or consulate of your country of residence, (iii) upon presentation of the corresponding air tickets. The restrictions of this Ordinance do not apply to immigrants who enter by air in the following conditions:
• Any nationality that has a visitor visa granted for a short stay, without intending to establish residence or for those who prior visitor visa is not needed, once the purpose of the trip is to carry artistic activities, sporting or business activities; • Any nationality that comes to the country in order to establish residence for a specific time and that has a temporary visa under the following purposes:
o Research, teaching or academic extension; o Study; o Work; o Investment; o Familiar reunion; or o Artistic or sports activities with a fixed term contract;
However, admission has to be made by air at the following international airports:
• São Paulo International Airport - Governor André Franco Montoro (Guarulhos), Guarulhos Municipality, State of São Paulo; • Tom Jobim International Airport (Galeão), Municipality of Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro; • Viracopos International Airport, Municipality of Campinas, State of São Paulo; • Brasília International Airport - Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek, Brasília, Federal District. In addition, even in this condition (air/fly entrance), the immigrant has to, before boarding, present to the transport company a medical declaration issued by a local health authority or doctor who attests that he/she is not infected with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus (covid-19).
The above exceptions do not prevent compliance with migration control rules and procedures, including with regard to the need of documentary evidence about the reasons for the immigrant's trip. 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.
Are hereby revoked Ordinance # 255 of May 22, 2020 and Ordinance # 319 of June 20, 2020.
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
334,683 positive cases, 8,677 deaths. Curfew and quarantine still active in Santiago. Only two permits by week per person are allowed. Mobility permission granted only for employees of essential businesses. Borders still closed. Admission is allowed only for Chileans and residents with valid RUT. Some consulates started receiving requests (Germany, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, South Korea, Spain, USA, UK, Japan). 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
204,005 positive cases, 6,929 deaths. Quarantine and control of the number of people in the streets is being tighten up due to a peak in COVID-19 cases in major cities. “Pico y Cedula” plan, which has been implemented before and was relaxed during the last weeks, now is going to be stricter, specially in Bogota. All Schools and Universities remain closed and will follow with virtual classes until July 31st. Border and airports also will remain closed until further notice. All non- essential businesses also remain closed. Colombia will remain locked down until further notice.
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 are being managed online. As soon as the quarantine has finished, the processing requiring personal appearance of the applicant will be resumed. • 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
11,534 positive cases, 66 deaths. Borders continue closed until August 1st. A clarification of the Government has been executed: if any resident leave the country and intent to enter while the borders are closed, then this person will immediately lose the legal status, but if any resident leave the country and enter once borders are re-opened, then this person will not lose the legal status. Legal status extended until November 18th for all visitors who cannot leave the country due to the COVID-19 situation.
The entire land border cord, both in the north and in the south of the country, is also declared as an authorized immigration control post, so that police officials can make rejections when the foreign person does not meet the entry requirements demanded by current legislation, present an impediment to enter the country or be caught trying to evade immigration control or entering a place not authorized for this purpose, ordering their immediate return to the country of origin.
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 September 18th, 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 November 18th ,2020. • Are these applicants going to be penalized in the future? No, if they regularize their situation within legal terms, including exceptions decreed by the government. • Are the companies going to be penalized if they have employees without the proper status? No, if they regularize their situation within legal terms, including exceptions decreed by the government.
Curazao
28 positive cases, 1 death. In connection to opening the borders to Western European countries, the Government of Curacao has released the approved list of countries that are allowed to entry into Curacao as of July 1st, 2020. The list of approved countries are divided into medium risk countries and low risk countries.
As of July 16th, 2020 passengers traveling from the following countries are welcome to visit Curacao: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Bonaire, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, Martinique, Montserrat, St. Eustatius, Saba, Sint Maarten, Saint Martin Saint Barthelemy, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Trinidad & Tobago, St. Vincent and Grenadines, British Virgin Islands.
Travelers departing out of any of these islands have to take these 2 mandatory steps:
• Complete the digital immigration card online before departure at dicardcuracao.com. • Within 48 hours before departure, you need to digitally fill out the Passenger Locator Card (PLC) and carry a printed document of proof with you. You may do so at dicardcuracao.com.
From July 1st, 2020, a maximum of 10,000 passengers will be welcomed to the island so that there will be minimal pressure on the local health system. As Curacao’s reopening happens in phases, we look forward to welcoming visitors out of the following Countries (updated July 16th): Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Guyana, Hong Kong, Hungary, Netherlands, Norway, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Turks and Caicos, United Kingdom.
Before your departure you have to take these 2 mandatory steps on dicardcuracao.com:
• Complete the digital immigration card online before departure. • Within 48 hours before departure, you need to digitally fill out the Passenger Locator Card (PLC) and carry a printed document of proof with you Each visitor entering Curaçao will need to show a negative result from a certified COVID-19 PCR- test and carry a printed document of proof with them. The test is taken max. 72 hours prior to departure at an accredited laboratory. You may contact your general practitioner for a referral to the nearest institution. You will be required to upload the negative test results of the COVID- 19 PCR-test on dicardcuracao.com before departure.
Please note the following entry conditions for all travelers:
• You have not travelled to another country where there is a high-risk of COVID-19 infections or have been in contact with a person who tested positively for COVID-19 within 14 days prior to arrival. If this is the case, you will be placed in mandatory quarantine. • You must carry a printed document of proof of the mandatory steps at all times during your travel. • You must be adequately insured for medical care and any additional costs if you are quarantined or become ill during your stay. • No cruise passengers are currently admitted.
If you do not meet the above conditions, you may be quarantined on arrival. This is entirely at your own expense.
During your stay in Curaçao:
If you are tested positive for COVID-19 during your stay in Curaçao, you will be quarantined immediately. All the tourist facilities follow ‘A Dushi Stay, the Healthy Way’ guidelines to guarantee safety for visitors and staff, while making you feel welcome in a relaxed and safe environment.
If you are in Curaçao and you start to show any symptoms related to COVID-19 (dry cough, fever, tiredness, sore throat, headache, loss of taste or smell) you are to immediately contact the health authority (GGD) by calling 9345.
Visitors will be asked to practice frequent hand hygiene and will have access to handwashing facilities with soap, single-use paper towels or automatic dryers for drying and alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Distancing measures are in place in all public spaces on the island.
That means a 2 meter (6 feet) distance between people is to be kept at all times. In case the 2 meter (6 feet) distance cannot be kept, visitors are asked to wear face masks. Restaurants, bars, beach clubs and other hospitality facilities are open for business adhering to normal opening hours.
Guests are asked to make reservations in advance. Curacao has not yet announced when flights to and from the United States will resume, but most U.S. airlines have cancelled flights until August 2020 at the earliest. All businesses are operational. Schools will reopen in September.
Dominican Republic
54,797 positive cases, 999 deaths. The state of Emergency concluded on June 27th, 2020. Curfew hours have been eliminated. Borders were reopened on July 1st, 2020 for all travelers. Suspension of School instruction until further notice. Suspension of massive gatherings until further notice (restaurants only open for delivery and take out). Commercial activities have reactivated but operate with limitations and restrictions. Many corporations continue to work from home and with flexible hours. Everyone is expected to use face masks when outside.
FAQ:
• Are all the Immigration offices in your country closed? No. • Is there any service online that can still be processed? All. • How are you managing the renewal cases? As usual but delays are 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? If a traveler enters with an expired visa or residence, and did not initiate renewal process before July 30th, he/she will have to pay a penalty. • Are these applicants going to be penalized in the future? Yes, if the renewal process is not filed before July 30th. • Are the companies going to be penalized if they have employees without the proper status? Yes, if the renewal process is not filed before July 30th.
Ecuador
74,620 positive cases, 5,318 deaths. Country continues in the epidemiologic “traffic light” phase which is 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 9:00 pm until 5:00 am. Businesses and retail can operate with occupancy capacity of 50%. Airports are reopening operation, still very few flights are being operated. Guayaquil and Quito are operating in yellow light.
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
12,582 positive cases, 352 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. There is no extension for visitors visa due to the emergency.
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? Renewals cannot be submitted 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? 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
39,039 positive cases, 1,502 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 usual 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
337 positive cases, 19 deaths. Airports in Guyana are now closed. The closure is scheduled from July 1st until August 1st. Schools remain closed. Non essential business remain closed. Curfew still 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
34,611 positive cases, 935 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? Only renewals which could not be submitted during the lockdown will be dealt with for the time being. • 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
349,396 positive cases, 39,485 deaths. Since June 1st (compulsory preventive isolation ended), Mexico is in phase 3 of its reopening plan, where the operation of the activities will be determined by a traffic light system. “Red” indicates that only essential work activities will be allowed: including mining, construction, and transportation manufacturing.
“Orange” means that it will increase the allowed non-essential activities, respecting public health and work measures. In “yellow” the activities will be expanded including those considered non-essential without restriction. Finally, when the traffic light is “green”, there will be no restrictions (in the region or in the State). Public health and work measures will continue; Classes will resume and essential and non-essential activities will operate.
States in red light: Baja California, Colima, Estado de México, Guerrero, Hidalgo, Morelos, Nayarit, Nuevo León, Oaxaca, Puebla, Sinaloa, Sonora, Tabasco y Tlaxcala.
States in orange light: Aguascalientes, Baja California Sur, Campeche, Chiapas, Chihuahua, CDMX, Coahuila, Durango, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Michoacán, Querétaro, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosí, Tamaulipas, Veracruz, Yucatán y Zacatecas.
Airports and land borders are not closed, except for countries with closed borders, such as the United States until further notice (tentative date: July 21). Travelers are not required to quarantine upon entering the country, they are only subject to random health checks on international flights and cruises and must provide the following information upon arrival (click here):
• 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
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 confinement. Statistics such as state hospital occupation, number of infections and behavior of the epidemiological curve are taken into account to establish the color of the traffic light. All States are subject to revert to red or tighten sanitary measures, if necessary.
Destination services in the country are available, with specific security measures (healthy distance, sanitation of spaces, use of facemasks, etc.) and with limitations in terms of number of people (2 clients maximum per service) and duration of meetings in person.
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. For Renewal cases we will maintain the same strategy that we have had until today. This will ensure that every renewal request is planned ahead of time and prior to the card´s expiration date as well as filed in in a timely manner. • 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? Timeframes applicable for Immigration processes are temporarily suspended from June 1st until the Health Ministry deems safe. The renewals that are due on these dates will be exempt and considered as non-working days. This agreement covers Temporary and Permanent Visa holders. However, the National Institute of Migration (INM) is open. Therefore, renewal processes are available for all assignees. • Are these applicants going to be penalized in the future? The Federal Government will announce at some point that the timeframes applicable for Immigration processes are valid again. If an assignee doesn’t renew his/her card once the suspension is over then he would risk his/her legal status in the country. At this point the assignee would have to request for a regularization. • 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
54,426 positive cases, 1,127 deaths. Due to the increase in the positive cases registered in the last days and the relaxation in the fulfillment of the sanitary measures, the restriction of mobility by gender and by ID number has been reinstalled.
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. and total quarantine from Friday at 7:00 p.m. until Monday at 5:00 a.m. Sanitary check-points remain active. Children can leave home accompanied by an adult from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Older adults can leave home from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. according to the gender. Children can leave home accompanied by an adult, bit adults must fulfill the previous premise.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Panama orders a 30-day extension of the suspension of all international flights until August 22nd, except for some authorized humanitarian flights. Activities of lawyers and accountants were reopened.
FAQ:
• Are all the Immigration offices in your country closed? It was reopened on June 8th only for lawyers. The public will be served from June 15th only by appointments. Labor offices for work permits will be reopened on June 15th attention by appointments and online consultations. • 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 August 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-August.
Paraguay
3,748 positive cases, 33 deaths. The country continues on the third phase of the “smart quarantine” and encountered a significant increase in the number of contagious within sanitary personnel.
Nevertheless, authorities do not think the country will go back to a previous stage, so the main measures of the third phase continue in place: Restaurants and gastronomic premises open to public (with pre-arranged dates, family members or co-workers and no more than 6 in a table, with all the biosecurity measures).
Gyms and academies (pre-arranged dates no sharing, with all protocols). Education (superior) tests, thesis, practical classes, labs up to 10 persons. Cultural: auto movies and theater (respecting social distancing). Religious: masses with up to 20 persons.
However, one department of Paraguay (Paraguari) remains in phase 2 until further notice, and one city in this department (San Roque Gonzalez de Santa Cruz) went back to total quarantine because of the significant increase in number of positive cases. Borders will remain closed until borderlines countries can control the disease.
Only authorized Paraguayan citizens and resident foreigners can get in, following the 14 days of quarantine in special shelters designed for this purpose. Important decisions expected to be taken by the executive due to the increase in the number of cases.
The Ministry of Health is under a lot of pressure because of the social discontent, economic crisis, and the significant increase of cases in the last week. He would recommend remain in this phase for a longer period, but cannot do so because there is a lot of pressure from other sectors to move forward.
It is proven that most of the contagious are given in social events (although social gathering is not permitted) and not in the working enviroment. The lack of enough medical equipment, infrastructure and well-trained professionals is key in the future decisions.
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
353,590 positive cases, 13,187 deaths. Starting July 20th, public transport passengers must wear face shields in addition to the masks. Restaurants and similar institutions (excluding bars) open at up to 40% of customer capacity.
It was also approved the opening of Peruvian airports, including the Jorge Chávez International Airport, for domestic flights only, beginning on July 15th, 2020. Travelers will be subject to additional safety measures at domestic terminals. Passengers on domestic flights will be required to wear a facemask and a protective face shield. Peru’s airports remain closed to international travel.
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, the Immigration offices will allow the change of migratory quality, residence renewal , special travel permit, sign contracts permit , registration in the Central Registry of Foreigners; and others services. • How are you managing the renewal cases? Online • 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 immigration office granted a regularization period of 45 days, starting after the finalization of the emergency. • Are these applicants going to be penalized in the future? Only if they do not regularize their situation within the granted period. • Are the companies going to be penalized if they have employees without the proper status? Only if they do not regularize their situation within the granted period.
Suriname
1,079 positive cases, 21 deaths. Suriname remains in partial lockdown. In effect a 6:00 pm to 6:00 am curfew, and that all gatherings still for a maximum of five people only. All schools are closed. Also Borders 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? 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 & Tobago
137 positive cases, 8 deaths. Bars, beaches, rivers, casinos, private members clubs, cinemas and gyms have resumed operations, as the country moved into the next phase of the gradual reopening of the economy. Restaurants are also allowed to restart dine-in services.
All establishments to close at 10 pm (local time). The zoo and amusement parks will reopen, while team sports will recommence without spectators. Horse racing will also resume, but physical distancing rules must be observed.
Educational institutions will only be allowed to reopen for the purposes of examination. However, day cares and pre-schools will remain closed until September. Transport will now operate at 100 per cent capacity, while congregation in public spaces will be increased from 10 to 25 people. Borders will remain closed for now.
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
12,334 positive cases, 116 deaths. Leveled Quarantine measures were put in place: Level one will continue to be full lockdown with restricted mobility; Level two will allow only 10 business sectors to work and mobilize; and at Level three up to 25 sectors are allowed to work and mobilize with the standard prevention measures. This week all country is on level 1.
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.