Lesser Antilles (Security threat level – 1): On 3 February 2021, Prime Minister Allen Chastanet imposed a state of emergency with new restrictions until at least 10 February due to a surge in cases of COVID-19. Under the order, a nightly curfew from 1900 to 0500 local time (2300-0900 UTC) is in effect, while all nonessential businesses are required to remain closed. Additionally, from 10 February until further notice, all travelers to Saint Lucia will be required to submit a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within five days prior to arrival.
Myanmar (Security threat level – 4): On 4 February 2021, the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC) ordered telecommunications companies to block access to various social media platforms nationwide until at least 7 February. The government alleges that the platforms contributed to the country’s instability after they were used to organize demonstrations against the 1 February military coup. The country’s four telecommunications companies later announced that they complied with the order. The MoTC also announced plans to ban virtual private networks (VPNs), which can be used to circumvent the social media ban.
Australia (Security threat level – 2): On 4 February 2021, the government of Victoria state imposed new coronavirus-related restrictions until further notice, including a reinstatement of rules requiring face masks in public indoor settings and a reduction in the limit of household visitors to 15 from 30, in response to a COVID-19 outbreak. The new edict also recommends that face masks be worn when visitors are present in households other than their own. In related developments, the states of Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia will now require travelers from Melbourne – the capital of Victoria – to take a COVID-19 test and self-quarantine for 14 days upon entry. New South Wales and Tasmania will require travelers to take a COVID-19 test and self-isolate if they have been to a high-risk location listed by the Victoria Health Department. Travelers may enter the Australian Capital Territory if they have not traveled through an area with COVID-19 cases in the last 14 days.
Austria / Cyprus (Security threat levels – 2 / 2): On 2 February 2021, Austrian authorities announced that additional coronavirus-related measures will take effect on 8 February — after the current lockdown is lifted. Travelers must quarantine for 10 days upon arrival, show a negative COVID-19 result from a PCR or antigen test and fill out an online form. Exemptions are in place for cross-border commuters who must instead register with Austrian authorities and submit a negative PCR or antigen test result every seven days. Individuals who refuse to wear face masks or follow social distancing measures will be fined 90 euros (108 U.S. dollars).
Cypriot officials on 3 February amended coronavirus-related entry requirements for all passengers from countries designated by the government as Category A or B. Travelers from Category A or B countries must present a negative PCR test upon arrival and self-isolate for 72 hours. All travelers permitted to enter Cyprus must also complete a Cyprus Flight Pass form before arrival.
Greece (Security threat level – 3): On the afternoon of 4 February 2021, clashes broke out between police officers and demonstrators in central Athens, the capital, during a rally organized to protest a bill that would make changes to the university admission system and authorize the presence of special police forces on university campuses. A group of protesters threw a Molotov cocktail at police officers near the parliament building, prompting the officers to respond with tear gas. In addition, another group threw projectiles at police officers outside the nearby Bank of Greece, located on Panepistimiou Street. Meanwhile, in the northern city of Thessaloniki, protesters threw rocks and Molotov cocktails toward police officers, who deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd. Authorities reportedly detained multiple people in Thessaloniki. There were no reports of significant injuries in either city due to the clashes. Rally participants included university students, as well as members of teachers and parents unions, who oppose the education bill.
Kuwait (Security threat level – 2): On 3 February 2021, authorities announced that they will ban the entry of foreign nationals into the country from 7 to 21 February due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Officials stated that exceptions are limited to domestic workers and first-degree relatives of Kuwaiti nationals. In addition to the entry ban, on 3 February authorities also increased internal restrictions through 10 February, including closing gyms and hair salons and limiting business hours for malls and restaurants. Restaurants are now allowed to open from 0800 to 1700 local time (0500-1400 UTC), while malls are allowed to open from 1000 to 2000 local time.
Ghana (Security threat level – 3): On 4 February 2021, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued updated travel advice regarding entry requirements, which reads in part as follows: “Kotoka International Airport is open. Commercial flights are operating to and from Ghana. Check with your travel company for the latest information. Land and sea borders remain closed. COVID-19 protocols at the airport may be subject to change as the new screening process evolves. See the guidance from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority
“At present all passengers arriving are required by the Government of Ghana to:
“The Government of Ghana has stated results will be available within 30 minutes of the test taking place at the airport. As such passengers should be prepared for additional time to move through and exit the airport. During busy period when there may be a large number of passengers disembarking at the same time the testing area may become busy.”
Maldives (Security threat level – 3): On 4 February 2021, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued updated travel advice for Maldives, which reads in part as follows: “A Public Health Emergency is in place until 5 March 2021. There is a curfew in the Greater Male’ area (which includes Male’, Vilimale’ and Hulhumale’) from 8:30pm to 4:30am local time. Between 8:30pm and 11pm (local time) vehicles are banned. There are no movement restrictions within the Greater Male’ area outside of these hours. Travel between the Greater Male’ region and other islands is no longer restricted to essential services only. When travelling from Greater Male’ (but not including the airport) to other islands, there is a mandatory 10-day home quarantine upon arrival at your destination. Use of masks is mandatory while travelling by air and sea.”
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