Hong Kong - Tighter quarantine measures set

The Government announced that the quarantine requirements for people arriving from 16 overseas places will be tightened from midnight on August 20 in view of the latest developments of the COVID-19 epidemic situation. 

The Government said the global COVID-19 epidemic situation is under serious threat from the Delta variant, with acute surges in the number of confirmed cases within a short period of time in many countries. 

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READ THE ARRANGEMENT DETAILS HERE

France - Applying for a COVID certificate if you were vaccinated abroad (procedure for non-EU tourists)

In France, the COVID certificate is issued to people who have tested negative or who have been fully vaccinated with one of the vaccines recognized by the European Medicines Agency or one of the equivalents to these vaccines. 

In order to facilitate the stay of non-EU tourists in France, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs has set up a specific mechanism for issuing a COVID vaccine certificate of equivalence, which is valid on French territory. 

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New Zealand - Government’s framework for re-opening borders and moving to an individualised risk-based model for quarantine-free travel

The Government’s framework for re-opening borders and moving to an individualised risk-based model for quarantine-free travel was unveiled at a forum on Reconnecting New Zealanders to the World in Wellington on 12 August. 

The release of the plan followed the publication of Sir David Skegg’s Strategic COVID-19 Public Health Advisory Group’s advice to Government. 

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US - US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Expands Partnership with Social Security Administration

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that applicants filing for lawful permanent resident status are now able to apply for a Social Security number (SSN) or replacement card as part of the adjustment of status application process. 

Previously, these individuals had to apply for a Social Security number at a Social Security office. USCIS is revising Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to include the additional questions needed to apply for an SSN or a replacement card. 

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Singapore - Resuming Entry Approvals For Vaccinated Work Pass Holders And Their Dependants

From 10 August 2021, work pass holders and their dependants with travel history to higher risk countries/regions1 can start applying for entry approval, on the condition that they must be fully vaccinated2 before arrival in Singapore3. 

This is part of the Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) plans to resume entry approvals for work pass holders and their dependants in a safe and calibrated manner. 

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Singapore - Travellers from Taiwan need not serve SHN from Aug 7 if they test negative for Covid-19 on arrival

The Multi-Ministry Taskforce has been closely monitoring the global COVID-19 situation. 

As the situation in Taiwan has improved, we will allow travellers from Taiwan to undergo a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test upon arrival, and to go about their activities in Singapore if the PCR test result is negative. 

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Australia - If you are an Australian citizen or a permanent resident you cannot leave Australia due to COVID-19 restrictions unless you have an exemption

If you are an Australian citizen or a permanent resident you cannot leave Australia due to COVID-19 restrictions unless you have an exemption. You can apply online but you must meet at least one of the following: 

• your travel is as part of the response to the COVID-19 outbreak, including the provision of aid

• your travel is for your business/employer

• you are travelling to receive urgent medical treatment that is not available in Australia

• you are travelling outside Australia for a compelling reason for three months or longer 

• you are travelling on compelling or compassionate grounds (6) your travel is in the national interest. 

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Hong Kong - Tighter border control measures set

The Government announced today that it will tighten the border control measures for inbound travellers based on the vaccine bubble concept so as to build an anti-epidemic barrier for Hong Kong to prevent imported COVID-19 cases. 

Under the new measures, overseas places will be recategorised into high, medium and low-risk groups, and relevant boarding, quarantine and testing requirements will be implemented based on risk levels. 

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READ THE CONTROL MEASURES HERE

Singapore - Updates on Border Measures For Travellers From Australia And Jiangsu Province, Mainland China

We will be tightening our border measures in Australia and Jiangsu Province, Mainland China. 

Travellers from Australia to serve 14-day SHN at dedicated SHN facilities. 

As there has been a recent increase in cases reported by Australia, all travellers entering Singapore from 2 August 2021, 2359 hours, with travel history in the past 21 days to Australia will be subjected to a 14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN) at dedicated SHN facilities. 

Travellers will also be allowed to apply to opt out1 of dedicated SHN facilities before arrival and serve their 14-day SHN at their place of residence, if they fulfil the following criteria: 

a) Travelled to no other country/region other than Australia2, in the last consecutive 21 days immediately prior to entry into Singapore; and 

b) Are occupying their place of residence (i.e. residential address) alone, or only with household members who are also persons serving SHN with the same travel history and duration of SHN. 

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