Travel Updates to Italy, Australia and South Africa

The information provided below is the latest no the travel regulations to Italy, Australia and South Africa. This information is subject to change along with the changing climate of the pandemic. In this case, please visit the official websites of the government of countries mentioned here. 

The countries that were badly affected by the pandemic were Western and European countries. And it only makes sense that these countries would put in place pandemic regulations that are harsher compared to other countries.

Italy

Italy has experienced one of the worst effects of the pandemic. Its first case was recorded to be on 21 February 2020 and since then, the country has maintained tight control of travel regulations and visa policies.

The country has classified regions and autonomous provinces into four areas- red, orange, yellow and white. The colours depend on the country’s level of risk and the kind of restriction that is imposed on them. From 15 March- 2 April 2021 and 6 April 2021, all the provisions applied for the yellow regions shall be imposed. On 3-5 April 2021, the restrictions set out in the red areas shall be applied in all regions except the white zones. 

Figure 1. Italy (Source: Pexels)

There is a travel ban to Italy from any country outside of the EU. Those countries who usually do not require a visa to travel to Italy like the U.S., Canada, Brazil, Australia and Mexico will now be required to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver to travel. Countries that do not have waiver deal with the EU like China, India, Russia and all African countries, will have to apply for a Schengen visa to enter the country even if you are a permanent resident of countries that enjoy a visa waiver arrangement. 

Entry Exemptions:

• Nationals of all EU countries
• Nationals/residents of ItalyFamily members of EU residents
• Long Term Residents or those who hold a long term visa (D-Visa)
• Passengers travelling for official/diplomatic/business purposes

The Ministerial Decree 2 March 2021 is based on a list of countries for which different measures and restrictions are applied. Annex 20 has divided countries into 5 groups; Group A- E. And on 30 March 2021, the Health Minister’s ordinance applied further restrictions to everyone who has stayed or transited through Italy in the past 14 days in one of the States or regions listed in List C of Annex 20:

• Undergo a swab (molecular or antigenic) carried out within 48 hrs before entering Italy with a negative result
• Undergo health surveillance and fiduciary isolation for a period of 5 days regardless of the result of the molecular or antigenic test
• Undergo another molecular or antigenic test at the end of the 5-day quarantine period

Travellers arriving from non-EU countries are subject to a 14-day quarantine. If you are planning to complete an internship in Italy during this time, please visit the official government websites of Italy for additional requirements and further updates. 

Australia

As of 1 April 2021, a little over 21,000 cases have been confirmed and 909 people have died of coronavirus. While the country is still in partial lockdown, the government has declared the pandemic as “controlled”. And in order to maintain this status quo, Australia has put in place a number of travel restrictions.

Entry Restrictions:

• All foreign travellers are not permitted to enter the country

Entry Exemption:

• Australian citizens and permanent residents and their immediate family
• Diplomats accredited to Australia that currently resides in Australia
• Nationals of New Zealand who originally resided in Australia (444 visa)
• New Zealand citizens who do not reside in Australia can transit through Australia if their final destination is New Zealand Foreign nationals transiting through an Australian airport with a confirmed onward flight (provided they do not leave the airport during transit)

Before entering the country, passengers will have to undergo a COVID-19 test:

• From 22 January 2021, all passengers from age 5 or above will have to present a medical certificate indicating a negative COVID-19 test result. This test must be conducted at least 72 hrs before departure
• The medical certificate can be presented in digital or hard copy, preferably in English
• The medical certificate must consist of the following information:

         - Name and date of birth

         - The test result

         - The method of test conducted (accepted test types: PCR, RT-PCR test)

         - The date the specimen was collected

         - The date the test was authorized and the name of the authorizing officer

         - Name and address of the laboratory/clinic/facility where the test was performed

         - Accreditation body that the laboratory is affiliated with

All passengers (except diplomats) are required to complete the Australia Travel Declaration form before departure. If you are planning to travel to Australia right now, it is still possible to apply for the eVisitor visa. It is the visa type that is most applied for. This type of visa is for people who wish to travel to Australia for holidays and business purposes. However, getting approval for this visa may take some time, most likely till the entry ban into the country has been lifted.

Figure 2. Australia (Source: Pexels)

If you are planning to complete an internship in Australia during this time, you can apply for the Working Holiday visa types; subclass 417 and subclass 462. With these visa types, applicants can prolong their internship for a full 12 months. Applicants for the subclass 462 visa must be submitted online as paper submissions are not accepted anymore.

Once permitted into the country, the passenger will have to abide by the following quarantine measures:

• All passengers, including Australian nationals, will be required to undergo a 14-day quarantine
• Passengers will have to pay for the quarantine costs on arrival. The quarantine arrangements differ by State and so it is important that you visit the official websites of these States

The information above is constantly changing and being updated monthly. Please make sure you stay informed by visiting the official website of the Australian government for any changes made to the rules and regulations regarding the COVID situation.

South Africa

In South Africa, there is a considerable easing of COVID-19 restrictions. This is because the people in the country have observed the restrictions, followed the rules and protocols. However, although the country has overcome the second wave of the pandemic, some requirements are still put in place.

Pre-Departure requirements:

• All passengers are required to present a negative COVID-19 medical certificate. This test must be taken within 72 hrs prior to departure. If the certificate is not presented, the passenger will have to undergo quarantine under a government nominated facility at their own expense on arrival
• All passengers will be required to complete a health declaration form prior to the arrival and departure from South Africa
• All passengers must install the COVID-19 Alert South Africa mobile app before arriving in the country.

Passengers from different countries are now allowed to enter South Africa. These countries include France, Germany, France, Germany, Italy, South Korea, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, USA, United Kingdom (passport with nationality “British Citizen”) and for passengers with a Hong Kong SAR passport.

Figure 3. South Africa (Source: Pexels)

If you plan to complete an internship in South Africa, you can apply for the visitor’s visa type. Currently, you can apply for this visa if:

• You are visiting family, friends and for tourist purposes
• Business purposes
• Study purposes
• Charitable reasons
• Research Conferences
• Medical purposes

Right now, the 20 land borders that were partially operational before are now fully operational. And the 33 land borders that were closed will remain closed until further notice. The requirements above may change and so it is important to check the official websites of South Africa for updates.

Now let’s get ready for an Internship!

Now that you are up to date with the visa requirements and travel restrictions to the SEA destinations, you can start your internship journey with AIP in the near future! AIP provides internships that help a student grow professionally and also exposes them to diverse cultures.

By starting an internship with us, you have a chance of improving your professional skills and experiencing a diverse culture in the country of your choosing. These skills will benefit you in your professional and personal life for a long time.

The aim of AIP is to ensure students, who complete an internship with us, have an all-around learning experience and self-growth during their time interning with AIP. For more information, visit our website and stay updated on our programs and packages!