Relocating employees internationally? Prior to 2020, your company’s main global mobility concern may have centered on the many moving pieces of an international move, travel costs, or foreign tax requirements. 

Fast-forward to 2022, and you might have a few more logistics to worry about, including whether you can send employees to certain countries or bring those working abroad back home to the states.

Though recent years have proved difficult in navigating the many changes impacting both domestic and international travel, as more countries loosen their travel restrictions, more companies are resuming their international relocation practices. Are you one of them?

In this article, we wanted to highlight a few updates regarding international travel restrictions. As more news becomes available, we will continue to update this article with recent border openings and closings, so your team stays informed and can plan your company’s next global relocation with confidence.

Travel Restrictions 2022

United States

Beginning with the United States of America, as of June 12, 2022, the U.S. lifted its travel requirement for all international flyers. Prior to this change, all passengers (2 years and older) were required to present a negative COVID-19 test (pre-arrival) 24 hours before returning to the country, regardless of vaccination status.

Canada

Canada is still only allowing fully vaccinated travelers into the country, unless you qualify for an exemption. Non-essential travel was only recently permitted on April 1, 2022. Travelers may be required to take a random antigen or a molecular pre-arrival test upon entry. Each visitor is required to use the ArriveCAN system to enter their proof of vaccination and other information before arriving. 

Japan

Japan was expected to loosen its restrictions in June. As of June 10th, 2022, they have reopened to tourists on guided package tours. However, a negative COVI9-19 test is required within 72 hours before departing flight.

Europe Travel Restrictions

The EU’s non-essential travel ban officially expired on March 1, 2022. Below are a few updates on how this impacts a few popular European destinations:

Italy

According to recent updates, international visitors over the age of 50 require vaccination. This may stay in effect until mid June of this year. Those under the age requirement can enter the country, pending they can either show proof of vaccination, a negative test (pre-arrival) from the last 48 hours, or proof of recovery from COVID-19 from the last six months. 

United Kingdom

Fully vaccinated international travelers no longer need to provide a negative pre-arrival COVID-19 test. However, all unvaccinated visitors must still present a negative pre-arrival COVID-19 test 48 hours before their departure flight. 

Travelers are also required to book and pay for a post-arrival test that will be taken within the first 48 hours of being in the island nation.

Israel

Israel has opened for non-essential travel. Visitors must present a negative pre-arrival test and self-quarantine for the first day. 

Australia

Australia is one of the few nations in Oceania and Asia to open back up. 

Fully vaccinated travelers must present a negative pre-arrival test no more than 72 hours before their departure flight. 

New Zealand

As of now, New Zealand is still closed for non-essential travel and is expected to stay closed until July 2022. However, visa holders may be able to enter sooner.

International Relocation Services

As you can see from just a few international updates, news on travel lifts can change quickly. If you’re struggling to stay informed with new requirements and restrictions, and how they can impact your employee moves, our team is here to help!

At Relocation Today, one of our most important core values is agility. This allows us to stay flexible and customize any policy based on any size, scope, level or type of international relocation. In fact, we’ve helped many companies—before and during the height of the pandemic—manage their global relocation policy

In addition to the many global services we offer, including immigration/visa service area orientation, cross-cultural training, and departure services, we can help you navigate international travel restrictions, as well. This ensures you have the tools, knowledge, and support to manage global relocations from right from your office. 

To learn how we can help, contact us for a consultation. We’ll walk you through our capabilities and help you build a comprehensive global relocation policy that blends with your corporate culture, organizational structure, and reporting requirements. Most importantly, we’ll help you streamline each relocation and keep your employees moving in the right direction.

We invite you to call us today to learn how we can help! 

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