Travel Advisory

From media reports: Rus Tourism News reported that Air Seychelles will be operating a twice-per-week service from Seychelles to Dubai International Airport throughout the month of July only.


The flights scheduled every Tuesday and Saturday will allow guests traveling beyond Dubai the chance to connect onto the Emirates Airlines network to more than 52 destinations.


As the situation remains dynamic at all ports of entry due to COVID-19, passengers are requested to verify up-to-date information regarding the procedures to be followed prior to and upon arrival at their country of destination.


As passengers will not be allowed to travel on the Dubai–Seychelles sector, the returning flight will be an all based cargo operation.

The Marshall Islands has extended its ban on inbound travel to the country for another month in an effort to maintain its coronavirus-free environment.


Government Chief Secretary Kino Kabua issued an updated travel advisory late Friday to extend the ban on incoming travelers until August 5.


The previous one was due to expire on July 5.

New Jersey is taking several steps forward in its reopening on Monday, with NJ Transit trains set to run on a full weekday schedule for the first time in months and youth summer camps permitted to open.


For the first time since mid-March, NJ Transit will operate full weekday service on all of its rail lines and light rail lines.


NJ Transit buses returned to full service early last month.

NAIROBI, July 6 (Reuters) - Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta announced on Monday a phased re-opening of the country from a coronavirus-induced lockdown, lifting restrictions in and out of the capital Nairobi and the coastal city of Mombasa.


"Today I order and direct that the cessation of movement into and out of the Nairobi metropolitan area, Mombasa county and Mandera county that is currently enforced shall lapse today or at 4 a.m. (0100 GMT) tomorrow, Tuesday the 7th of July 2020," said Kenyatta in a televised address.

Qantas and Jetstar will scale back flights for Australia's most prolific domestic route due to the closure of the NSW-Victoria border.


The airline announced on Monday it would significantly reduce flights to and from Melbourne after NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews agreed to indefinitely shut the border.


Qantas said the Sydney to Melbourne route, which was rated the world's second-busiest in 2018 with 54,102 departures annually, would be most impacted.


Its low-cost carrier, Jetstar, had recently ramped up flights on the route as COVID-19 restrictions eased, even removing social distancing between seats to increase capacity.


But the border closure from 11.59pm on Tuesday has forced the airline to slam on the brakes, with a return to limited flights for essential travel only.


Other routes will also be affected including flights from Melbourne to Byron Bay and vice versa.


The reduced schedule is set to operate for the rest of July.


Qantas will contact customers who have already booked airfares to and from the Victorian capital.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has suspended all flight operations to international destinations, except London, until July 30.


On July 1, the airlines said it would resume flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi on July 6 adding that the United Arab Emirates would allow it to fly to these destinations temporarily until July 16, reports bdnews24.


But in a notice on its website on Sunday, the carrier said it would not operate the Dubai and Abu Dhabi flights “due to unavoidable reasons”.


It will now make special arrangements to transport the passengers who have booked tickets for the flights.


After the coronavirus pandemic began, Bangladesh had suspended international flight operations.


Biman resumed the London flights, once a week, on June 21 but could not draw passengers.


On Saturday, Biman said all international flights, except London, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, will remain suspended.


It cancelled flights to Manchester until July 30 and to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore until August 31

Cuba on Wednesday partially reopened its borders to international tourists in keeping with measures adopted by the government as part of the country's post-pandemic recovery plan.

On March 31, the Caribbean nation announced the suspension of international flights and asked international boats to withdraw from its territorial waters as a precautionary measure to slow the spread of the coronavirus nationwide.

Although foreign visitors are only allowed to enter resorts in the northern and southern keys of the country for the moment, excursions inside the area allocated for touristic activities will be at the disposal of foreign visitors, according to the Cuban Ministry of Tourism.

Belgium will reopen its borders on July 7 after safety preparations, the country's foreign minister said Wednesday.

On Tuesday, the European Union decided to allow nationals from 14 countries to enter the bloc's territory as of July 1. However, Philippe Goffin said Belgium will not open its borders to travelers from the whitelisted countries before July 7.

In the first wave, residents of Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, Serbia, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia and Uruguay can travel to the EU.

As of July 1, the European Union (known as the EU, which includes Italy) began lifting the restrictions on nonessential travel into the EU for residents of certain third countries. This does not include United States residents. However, the list will be reviewed every two weeks. Please visit https://reopen.europa.eu/en for more information.

The Italian government has modified its entry regulations to allow exceptions for several categories of visitors, including students, business persons, EU residents, and relatives of Italian citizens. Please review the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for more specific information in English. Also, please take note of any self-quarantine requirements.

The U.S. Embassy in Rome, Consulates General in Milan, Naples, and Florence, and Consular Agencies in Venice, Palermo, and Genoa have resumed limited regular passport processing. Travelers with an immediate travel need and a confirmed flight to the United States may also contact U.S. Embassy Rome or your local consulate and request an emergency passport appointment.

Health Alert: North Macedonia, Airports Reopening

Update: Skopje Airport reopened for flights on July 1, 2020. Ohrid Airport reopened on July 2, 2020.

Available flights to and from each airport may be limited and schedules are subject to change with little to no warning. Travelers are strongly encouraged to contact their airlines or travel agents for the most accurate up to date information on flight schedules.

TAV Macedonia, the managing company for both airports, has announced several new requirements for departing passengers, including arrival at the airport no less than three hours prior to their flights, wearing a protective mask at all times, maintaining social distance, and keeping a high degree of personal hygiene. Travelers displaying symptoms of COVID-19 infection such as a fever of 37.3 C (99.1 F) or higher and coughing may not be permitted to enter the airport and board their flights.

As new requirements may be implemented with little to no notice, travelers are recommended to check the websites of Skopje Airport (http://skp.airports.com.mk) and Ohrid Airport (http://ohd.airports.com.mk) along with their airline carriers for the most up-to-date information.

Reminder: The Government of North Macedonia announced the full opening of North Macedonia's borders effective June 26, 2020. With the full opening of borders, there are no longer requirements for PCR tests, self-isolation, or quarantine for travelers entering North Macedonia.

New restrictions on movement or social distancing regulations may be put in place with little or no notice. Monitor local media and visit the websites of the Government of North Macedonia or Ministry of Health for updated information.

On July 2, the Rwanda Biomedical Center will begin a COVID-19 street testing survey in Kigali and at the entry points to Kigali. In this testing, people will be randomly selected for testing and escorted to a drive-through testing facility.

On July 1, the Rwandan Ministry of Health announced a total of 1,042 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Rwanda.

On June 30, the Government of Rwanda announced that movements to and from Rubavu district may resume. Rusizi and parts of Kigali remain locked down.

Tickets are available for the flight departing Kigali for Addis Ababa with connections to the United States on Tuesday, July 7. If you are interested in booking travel on this flight, please contact SatGuru at +250-788-528-347 or reservations.kigali@satgurutravel.com.

Chile on Wednesday said the total number of people who have tested positive for the novel coronavirus has climbed to 282,043.

According to Health Minister Enrique Paris, lock down measures in the capital Santiago and its metropolitan area, as well as other regions, will continue for another week. 

Brussels Airlines had to rebook tens of thousands of flights that had suddenly been canceled or postponed as a result of the changing travel regulations.

Brussels Airlines announced an adjusted flight schedule for the months of September and October. The initial schedule had been drawn up months ago, before the coronavirus crisis started.

Hawaiian Airlines will resume most of its mainland U.S. routes on August 1, 2020, once Hawaiian entry restrictions are relaxed.


Subsequently, Hawaiian Airlines will restart its route to Pago Pago in American Samoa on August 6.

Samoa has extended the COVID-19 State of Emergency for another month, taking the country to an unprecedented four-month lockdown.

Government approved repatriation flights have been opened up from New Zealand and American Samoa.

All travelers from New Zealand must go through a 14-day quarantine period unlike passengers from the territory who do no have to.

Kumagawa Railway officials were assessing the damage after torrential rain deluged Kumamoto Prefecture on July 4, washing away a railway bridge.


The railway has suspended operations and early estimates suggest it will take substantial time to repair the damage.


"I think the railway will be suspended altogether for a very long time," said a senior prefectural official.


Kumagawa Railway, which runs between Hitoyoshi Onsen Station and Yunomae Station, is jointly owned by local governments, including the Hitoyoshi city government, and their private-sector partners.

ATHENS, July 6 (Reuters) - Greece and Britain will fully resume flights on July 15, Greek government spokesman Stelios Petsas said on Monday.


"In cooperation with the British government, and following advice of experts, the government announces the resumption of direct flights from the United Kingdom to all airports of the country from July 15," Petsas told a news briefing.

DUBAI, July 6 (Reuters) - Air Arabia Abu Dhabi will start operations on July 14, with direct flights connecting the capital of the United Arab Emirates to Alexandria and Sohag, in Egypt, the company said on Monday on Twitter.


The airline is a joint venture between Air Arabia, the United Arab Emirates' only listed carrier, and Abu Dhabi state-owned Etihad Airways.

ABUJA, July 2 (Reuters) - The Nigerian state of Kano ended its novel coronavirus lockdown on Thursday, the local ministry of health said, months after an outbreak of what was originally called a "mysterious disease" killed hundreds of citizens.


The easing comes weeks after other parts of Nigeria relaxed restrictions, and marks an effort to resume everyday life in Kano, the commercial and cultural heart of predominantly Muslim northern Nigerian.


In April and early May, roughly 500 people died in the state, a government probe found, saying the deaths were likely due to coronavirus. Local authorities did not acknowledge the outbreak at the time.


Kano's health ministry on its official Twitter account did not provide details of the state lockdown ending except to say civil servants would return to work from July 6.


The end of Kano's lockdown and other policies to relax restrictions come as coronavirus cases mount in Africa's most populous country.


Nigeria had confirmed more than 25,000 coronavirus cases and almost 600 deaths as of Wednesday, with little sign of the outbreak slowing. Officials have expressed their concern that the outbreak in the West African country might become much worse.


Nevertheless, Nigeria on Wednesday said it would restart domestic flights from July 8.

Hungary's prime minister said on Thursday it will not accept the European Union's decision to open borders for 15 "safe countries," with the exception of Serbia, citing health concerns amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

"For now, we cannot support the EU's request because that would be against the health interests of the Hungarian people," Victor Orban said.

Hungary, which joined the EU in 2004, opened its borders to Serbian citizens early June.

Event: Due to COVID-19, Austria is at a State Department Travel Advisory level 4, which means "Do Not Travel." Americans wishing to depart should leave immediately via commercial aircraft. U.S. citizens remaining in Austria should be prepared to shelter in place. Whether to depart Austria or remain is a personal decision.

Information Regarding Flights to the United States. There are multiple commercial flight options to return to the United States. Travelers have reported unexpected flight cancellations and limited availability. If your travel has been disrupted, please contact your travel agent or airline. The U.S. government does not currently anticipate arranging repatriation flights from Austria.

Austrian Government Measures. The government of Austria has implemented enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19, and has placed limitations on gatherings. As the Austrian government eases restrictions on individuals and businesses in Austria, we [U.S. Embassy] urge you to closely monitor Austrian government websites and official news releases to ensure your ongoing compliance with local rules and regulations. For the latest on COVID-19 travel restrictions and prevention measures in Austria, click here.

Passport Operations Normal. Routine passport and citizenship services are again available. If you have been postponing your passport renewal, we're ready to work with you. For more information, check our website.

For More Information. Visit the local government COVID-19 website for updated information. The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Warning for COVID-19 in Europe advising travelers to avoid non-essential travel to Europe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Notice for Austria.

Health Alert – U. S. Embassy Prague, Czech Republic

Location: Czech Republic

Event: The Czech Ministry of Health confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Czech Republic. U.S. Embassy Prague will be sending a weekly update to ensure all U.S. citizens have the latest information about COVID-19 and local conditions.

Editor's Note: Passengers planning to fly with British Airways or Iberia in July should confirm flight status. COVID-19-related travel information changes frequently and should be verified with the airlines.

British Airways has announced a raft of route resumptions for July, across its domestic, short-haul and long-haul networks.

In the Americas and the Caribbean the carrier will resume flights to Barbados, Bermuda, Dallas, Kingston, Miami, Seattle and Toronto, joining existing services to San Francisco, Boston, Chicago, LA, New York JFK and Washington.

It's unclear what effect existing quarantine restrictions in place for travelers to the U.K. from the U.S. (and vice versa) might have on these services.

BA will also reinstate its route to Tokyo Haneda (joining flights to Hong Kong and Singapore).

Closer to home the airline says it will return to more short-haul destinations by the end of July, including Austria, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Morocco, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey.

Sister carrier Iberia also today outlined its plans for European services over the summer, with routes to Gatwick and Manchester resuming in August.

BA's domestic services from London to Belfast, Inverness, Jersey, Manchester, Newcastle and Newquay will also resume this month, and existing routes to Edinburgh and Glasgow will move to double daily.

Start dates for the route resumptions range throughout July, but the carrier has highlighted the following:

Tokyo (resumed July 1)
Toronto (July 16)
Dubai (July 16)
Istanbul (July 16)
Marrakesh (July 16)
Bermuda (July 17)
Barbados (July 18)
Kingston (July 20)

Health Alert: U.S. Embassy Kingston, Jamaica

Location: Jamaica

Event: Update on Travel Authorization Form for Entry to Jamaica

· Please note that the Department of State continues to advise U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. For more information about this Global Level 4 Health Advisory, please visit the following website: Travel.State.Gov.

· All travelers to Jamaica must apply for Travel Authorization through the Jamaica Tourist Board.

· At the present time, all U.S. citizens to Jamaica should expect to be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival. Any visitor testing positive for COVID-19 should expect to be isolated for at least fourteen (14) days in a public health facility operated by the Jamaican Ministry of Health and Wellness.

· As of July 10, 2020, visitors from locations designated as high-risk by the Jamaican government will be required to upload a valid Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test result with the Travel Authorization no more than seven days from the intended date of arrival in Jamaica. Approval for travel to Jamaica will be subject to the upload of the test result.

· Individuals who arrive in Jamaica who are not staying at hotels will undergo risk assessments and will be required to make an appointment at a testing location and complete a PCR test. They will remain under quarantine orders while they await their test results.

· Business travelers will be tested on arrival at the airport.

For the most up-to-date guidance on Jamaica's COVID-19 tourism protocols, please visit the Jamaica Tourist Board website.

Update on other COVID-19-related requirements for Jamaica:

Face coverings: It is mandatory to wear a face covering in public places.
National curfew hours: The new daily all-island curfew is from 11:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. through July 31, 2020.
Stay-at-home measures: a stay-at-home order is in effect for individuals over the age of 65 and those with comorbidities, through July 14, 2020.

Health Alert - U.S. Embassy Manila (July 2, 2020)

Location: The Philippines

Event: Cebu City Under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ); Metro Manila, Talisay City, and other areas are under General Community Quarantine (GCQ)

On July 1, the Philippine government announced the below classifications for areas in the country as a continued measure against the spread of COVID-19:

Cebu City continues in Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) status from July 1 to July 15 because the Philippine government notes an increase of new cases; widespread community transmission; case doubling time of less than seven (7) days; and a significant increase in critical care utilization as compared to critical care capacity.

Areas under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) from July 1-15:

Luzon - NCR (Metro Manila), Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Santiago City in Region II; Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Tarlac, Olongapo City in Region III; Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon in Region IV-A
Visayas - Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Mandaue City, Lau-Lapu Cityin Region VII
Mindanao - Davao City and Zamboanga City
Talisay City
The rest of the country remains under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) until July 15, 2020.

Local Government Units (LGUs), i.e. cities and municipalities in the National Capital Region, may still have curfews in effect to limit exposure to the COVID-19 virus. Some provinces have implemented their own community quarantines. If you live in an area that has imposed a local curfew ordinance or similar community quarantine, please plan your activities and travel accordingly and monitor the relevant LGU's website for their rules and regulations.

Please comply with local quarantine requirements and strictly follow local authorities. Regardless of location, U.S. citizens are encouraged to continue to practice proper anti-virus safety protocols, such as frequent hand washing and social distancing.

Routine U.S. citizen services, including all passport, citizenship, notary, and legal capacity to marry services are still suspended. For emergency services, including emergency passports and reports of death, please contact American Citizen Services via email at ACSInfoManila@state.gov or call +63 (2) 5301-2000. The U.S. Embassy is not accepting walk-ins at this time.