IMPACT – HIGH

Countries in Europe and around the world rushed to suspend travel from the U.K. on Sunday after the U.K. imposed a strict lockdown in London and the South East in light of a newly identified strain of COVID-19.

Among countries that have suspended travel are:

  • Canada. Canada suspended flights from the U.K. during the 72-hour period beginning midnight on Monday, after which time the suspension may be extended.
  • France. France has suspended air travel for the 48-hour period beginning at midnight on Sunday. Additionally, car, ferry and train travel from the U.K. to France through the Eurotunnel has also been suspended.
  • Germany. Germany has suspended flights from the U.K. until at least Dec. 31. Cargo flights and flights with medical personnel or in the interest of public health are exempt.
  • Italy. Italy suspended flights from the U.K. until at least Jan. 6. It also moved to prohibit entry to anyone who has been in the U.K. in the 14 days before Dec. 20.
  • Ireland. Ireland suspended flights arriving from England, Wales and Scotland for the 48-hour period beginning at midnight on Monday, Dec. 21. Travel to and from Northern Ireland is not restricted at this time.
  • Israel. Israel announced additional measures for all travelers arriving from the U.K., including a requirement to complete a 14-day quarantine in a designated state sponsored coronavirus hotel.
  • Netherlands. The Netherlands suspended passenger air traffic from the U.K. from 0600 (CET) on Sunday Dec. 20 to Jan. 1.
  • Switzerland. Switzerland suspended flights from the U.K. until further notice.
  • Turkey. Turkey announced they will be suspending air travel from the U.K. until further notice.
  • Belgium. From midnight on Monday Dec. 21, the border will be closed between the U.K. and Belgium for at least 24 hours.
  • Denmark. The Danish government has banned all air passenger flights between the U.K. and Denmark from 0900 U.K. time on Monday, Dec. 21 to 0900 U.K. time on Wednesday, Dec. 23.
  • Portugal. There is a ban on all passenger travel, with the exception of Portuguese citizens and those legally resident in Portugal, between the U.K. and Portugal starting from midnight on Sunday, Dec. 20. This will remain under review.
  • Austria. There will be a flight ban from the U.K. from midnight Tuesday, Dec. 22 until further notice.
  • Bulgaria. Air travel will be restricted from midnight on Monday, Dec. 21 to Jan. 31.

Additional Information: There are further reports in global news outlets of lots of other countries imposing travel restrictions from the U.K., including: Argentina, Chile, Croatia, Hong Kong, Iran, Kuwait, Morocco and Saudi Arabia. At this point in time, the UK government travel advice website is fully updated with the latest from all the European countries listed above, and is expected to add information from non-European and other countries in due course.

At this time, there is no indication that visa application centres in the U.K. or overseas are impacted; in the U.K., visa application centres remain an essential service despite the new Tier 4 lockdown announcements. However, in the short term there may be practical implications for traveling into and out of the UK.

Analysis & Comments: Deloitte is closely monitoring the situation and will provide further updates as they become available. Employers should be advised to consider start dates and travel arrangements being delayed for those coming into and out of the U.K. during this period or longer because of the current situation. Additional countries may add restrictions and the restrictions that are in place may be extended or broadened with little notice. Those with urgent travel needs are encouraged to work closely with Deloitte or consult the UK government travel advice website for details on the latest situation for each country.

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