Global business travel opportunities

As global citizens we are deeply worried about the decline in business travel – some of it will never rebound and should not for environmental reasons. But most business travel is deferred when it actually could take place, taking all safety precautions into account. Why is this so important? Because business travelers pay the fundamental share of modes of transportation. If they do not travel (or believe they cannot travel), many transportation companies will cease to exist, and this will also mean that tourism will not have access to modes of transportation in the future. Most importantly, many projects are postponed because in-person meetings are not taking place which slows down the economic recovery.

Therefore, we have compiled requirements and regulations for business travel between the majority of Western European countries and North America and offer our insights to you free-of-charge. We update this site regularly but decline any responsibility or liability for the information provided. We offer, however, a targeted and tailored-to-your-specific-needs research if you contact us. Feel free to share the link to this overview with your friends and clients. Happy trails!

Travel conditions for European countries

Austria

  • Entry from an EU Member State and Schengen Associated country is possible without restrictions, provided that the COVID-19 situation in the country of origin is stable and that travelers have resided only in a specific set of countries during the last 10 days. To consult the list of countries and regions affected visit the Austrian Health Ministry website and the tourist website Austria info.
  • All travelers entering Austria will need to register electronically in advance and obtain a so-called pre-travel clearance (PTC). At the border, they will have to show their PTC (either digitally or as a hard copy). http://www.oesterreich.gv.at
  • Travelers who are only transiting through Austria without a stopover do not need to present a test result.
  • All travelers entering Austria are required to present a medical certificate proving a negative COVID-19 PCR test (from a test taken in the last 72 hours before arrival). If the traveler cannot get tested before entering Austria, he/she must be tested within 48 hours after arrival, and has to self-quarantine until the test results arrive.
  • Business travelers do not need to quarantine.
  • Quarantine may be terminated upon presentation of a negative result of a molecular-biological or antigen test for SARS-CoV-2 taken no earlier than five days after entry, or for the purpose of departure from Austria.
  • Exceptions to the suspension of entry by third-country nationals, including U.S. citizens, from outside the EU and the Schengen area are possible for personnel of diplomatic missions (with “legitimation card”), employees of international organizations and persons who travel to Austria for professional reasons (business travelers). It is always necessary to be able to prove journeys for essential work or compelling reasons by a plausible proof.
  • A landing ban for flights from the UK, South Africa, and Brazil is in effect.
  • A stay-at-home order is in effect from 8pm to 6am.
  • Restaurants and bars can only offer takeout/delivery services.
  • To fill out your Pre-Travel-Clearance, please visit: https://www.austria.info/en/service-and-facts/coronavirus-information/entry-regulations
  • Medical certificate form: https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/BgblAuth/BGBLA_2020_II_563/COO_2026_100_2_1816334.pdfsig
  • For further information, please visit: https://www.austria.info/en/service-and-facts/coronavirus-information/entry-regulations

Belgium

  • Restrictions for people coming from or returning to Belgium from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated Country depend on whether they are returning from a red, orange, or green zone (please visit the Foreign Affairs website).
  • All travelers entering Belgium from outside the European Union, the United Kingdom, or returning from a red zone within the EU, are required to present a medical certificate proving a negative COVID-19 PCR test (from a test taken in the last 72 hours before arrival) and must quarantine for ten days. The obligation to go into quarantine can be temporarily lifted in order to fulfil an essential activity but only if this activity cannot be postponed.
  • A sworn statement is mandatory for all travelers: nationals or residents of the EU or of a country that is part of the Schengen Area. The form can be found on the www.info-coronavirus.be website and must be completed and signed prior to the trip. Travelers must carry this statement during their entire trip.
  • The temporary travel restrictions do not apply to key workers or people travelling for compelling reasons such as:
    • Health professionals, health researchers and professionals providing care for the elderly travelling for work.
    • Diplomats, staff of international organizations and people invited by international organizations whose physical presence is required for the proper functioning of those organizations.
  • It is always necessary to be able to prove journeys for essential work or compelling reasons by a plausible proof, such as an employment contract, a medical certificate issued by an official health authority or care provider or legally binding documents (such as an invitation by a company or organization for an essential meeting).
  • If you plan to travel to Belgium or return to Belgium after a stay abroad, you are required to fill in a passenger locator form in the 48 hours before your arrival in Belgium.
  • It is not necessary to complete the “Public Health Passenger Locator Form” when the time spent abroad was less than 48 hours or the time spent in Belgium will be less than 48 hours.
  • A curfew is in place between 10pm and 6pm. Exceptions to the curfew are for “essential trips” for urgent medical reasons and professional commutes.
  • Cafes and restaurants are closed. For certain restaurants, meals came be ordered to take away until 10pm. Hotel restaurants can provide room service meals for hotel guests.
  • Passenger Locator Form: https://travel.info-coronavirus.be/public-health-passenger-locator-form
  • For more information about the Belgian classification of risk areas, please visit the Government website: https://diplomatie.belgium.be/en
  • U.S. Embassy in Belgium: https://be.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

France

  • Travelling from EU Member States and Schengen Associated countries to Metropolitan France is allowed without restrictions. Travel restrictions apply for entry from high-risk countries; entry from these countries will be allowed in cases of extreme need (healthcare workers, health researchers/ staff of international organizations in the exercise of their functions)
  • The personnel of international organizations based or with an office in France are exempt from quarantine (unless they have symptoms).
  • A travel certificate is required. This certificate must be presented to airline companies before embarking, as well as to border control authorities.
  • Additionally, travelers must complete and carry a sworn statement that they do not show any Covid-19 symptom.
  • All travellers arriving in France will need to present a negative PCR test taken less than 72 hours before boarding.
  • Although not mandatory for members of the personnel of international organizations, it is strongly advised that travelers arriving from a high-risk country present to the airline and border authorities the result of a negative COVID-19 test made within 72 hours preceding their arrival in France in order to facilitate their travel.
  • Wearing a mask in public places (indoor and outdoor) is mandatory in major cities in France.
  • A nightly curfew from 6pm to 6am is currently in force in Metropolitan France. People will be able to move about freely during the day, but authorization forms will be required between 8pm and 6am.
  • To download the travel certificate visit: https://www.interieur.gouv.fr/Actualites/L-actu-du-Ministere/Attestation-de-deplacement-et-de-voyage
  • For more information and updates, monitor the website of the French Government: https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/coming-to-france/coronavirus-advice-for-foreign-nationals-in-france/ 

Germany

  • Entry from EU Member States, Schengen Associated countries, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand is allowed without restrictions.
  • Travel restrictions apply for entry from high-risk countries; entry from these countries will be allowed in cases of extreme need (healthcare workers, health researchers/ staff of international organizations in the exercise of their functions). The Robert Koch Institute provides a list of international risk areas, which is updated regularly.
  • It is always necessary to be able to prove journeys for essential work or compelling reasons by a plausible proof, such as an employment contract, a medical certificate issued by an official health authority or care provider or legally binding documents (such as an invitation by a company or organization for an essential meeting).
  • Travelers who have visited a risk area, high incidence area or virus variant area in the last ten days before entering Germany must register at www.einreiseanmeldung.de before arriving in Germany and carry proof of registration with them upon entry.
  • If, in exceptional cases, it is not possible to complete a digital entry registration, travelers must instead fill out a substitute registration on paper.
  • Travelers who have been in a high incidence area or in a virus variant area in the past ten days prior to entry into Germany must carry proof that they have been tested for infection with SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus with them upon entryand present it to the competent authorities upon request and, if necessary, to the transport company prior to travelling.
  • Business travel for up to five days is allowed and not subject to any quarantine rules A negative test result (taken max 48 hours before entering or 72 hours after entering) is required.
  • Wearing a mask in public places (indoor and outdoor) is mandatory in major cities in Germany.
  • A national lockdown is currently in force in Germany.
  • Travel within Germany should be restricted to essential travel only, and overnight hotel stays for tourists will not be allowed.
  • The Robert Koch Institute list of international risk areas: https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/N/Neuartiges_Coronavirus/Risikogebiete_neu.html
  • To fill out your digital entry application, please visit: http://www.einreiseanmeldung.de
  • Information on entry restrictions and quarantine regulations in Germany: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/einreiseundaufenthalt/coronavirus?openAccordionId=item-2415616-1-panel

Netherlands

  • Travelling from EU Member States and Schengen Associated countries to the Netherlands is allowed without restrictions. Travel restrictions apply for entry from high-risk countries; entry from these countries will be allowed in cases of extreme need.
  • All travelers (including Dutch nationals) must be able to present a negative COVID-19 test result that meets certain requirements, if they are coming from a high-risk area in the EU/Schengen area (with the exception of Iceland) to the Netherlands. The government provides a list of countries concerned. This measure concerns passenger transport by aircraft, ferry or international intercity train or coach, travelling more than 30km into the Netherlands from the border.
  • If you are travelling to the Netherlands by air or sea from a high-risk country, you must also take a rapid test shortly before departure. Quarantine is mandatory for all travelers arriving in the Netherlands. Business travelers can temporarily leave quarantine to perform the functions for which they have traveled.
  • If you are travelling by air you must fill in a health declaration and carry it with you. Some airlines allow you to complete this health declaration digitally at check-in.
  • If you are travelling from a country to which an entry ban applies and your purpose of travel will have demonstrable value for the Dutch economy and Dutch society, you may come to the Netherlands provided certain conditions are met.
  • Conditions for business trips to the Netherlands:
    • The trip is urgent and cannot be postponed until the entry ban has been lifted.
    • Your physical presence is required and there is no feasible digital alternative, or the digital alternative does not offer the required level of confidentiality.
    • The trip is of vital importance for the Dutch economy.
  • You must hold an invitation from a Dutch private or public sector party and your travel dates must be confirmed. You must also have a recent, official negative COVID-19 test result and a signed and completed negative test declaration.
  • If you meet the conditions for admission to the Netherlands for business purposes, you must present the following documents at border control:
    • A diplomatic note issued by a Dutch embassy stating that you fall under an exemption to the entry ban,
    • Proof that you have a return ticket and a hotel booking,
    • A visa, if required.
  • A landing ban for flights from the UK, South Africa, Argentina, Bolivia, Brasil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guiana, Panamá, Perú, Surinam, Uruguay and Venezuela is in effect.
  • A nightly curfew from 8.30pm to 4.30am is currently in force in the Netherlands.
  • To obtain the Negative test declaration form, please visit: https://www.government.nl/topics/coronavirus-covid-19/documents/forms/2020/12/04/coronavirus-negative-test-declaration-form
  • To fill out your health declaration, please visit: https://www.government.nl/documents/publications/2020/07/07/information-for-passengers-flying-to-and-from-the-netherlands
  • For more information please visit: https://www.government.nl/topics/coronavirus-covid-19/visiting-the-netherlands-from-abroad

Spain

  • Travelling from EU Member States and Schengen Associated countries is allowed. If you fly to Spain, it is mandatory to fill in a Health Control Form (FCS) associated with your trip. Once you complete the form, you receive a personal QR code, which you present at the Health Control of the airport of arrival in Spain. All travelers should complete the form.
  • In addition, all passengers who come from a high risk country or area in relation to SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, must present a certificate with a NEGATIVE result from a PCR test (COVID-19 RT-PCR) or other test based on equivalent molecular techniques, carried out in the 72 hours before arrival. This certificate must be the original, and it must be written in Spanish, English, German or French, and may be presented in paper or electronic format. If it is not possible to obtain it in these languages, a certificate or supporting document must be accompanied by a translation into Spanish, carried out by an official body.
  • The list of high risk countries /areas, as well as the criteria used to define them, will be reviewed every fifteen days.
  • Inter-regional travel is permitted, providing your point of origin and destination do not fall within a confined area where entry and exit restrictions are in place. Transiting confined areas to reach your final destination is permitted, however you should be prepared to show evidence of your onward journey such as train or flight tickets to your final destination.
  • Wearing a mask in public places (indoor and outdoor) is mandatory in major cities in Spain.
  • For more information about the high-risk countries and updates, monitor the website of the Spanish Government: https://www.mscbs.gob.es/en/profesionales/saludPublica/ccayes/alertasActual/nCov/spth.htm

Switzerland

  • Entry from EU Member States and Schengen Associated countries is allowed without restrictions, unless a country or region is defined as Covid risk area (entry from these countries will be allowed in cases of extreme need).
  • All travelers arriving in Switzerland by air must present, at the time of boarding, a negative RT-PCR test conducted a maximum of 72 hours before their departure.
  • All travelers arriving from a high-risk country, regardless of their mode of transport, must present upon arrival a negative RT-PCR test conducted a maximum of 72 hours prior to departure.
  • Anyone entering Switzerland is required to fil in the Electronic form for incoming travelers before departure.
  • Exemptions to quarantine are possible for business travelers whose presence is absolutely necessary for the continued operation of international organizations and permanent missions. This exception does not apply to travelers from countries listed under 3 in the annex to the Covid-19 Ordinance on International Transport Measures.
  • At this time, a special entry permit is needed to enter Switzerland for business travel from non-Schengen countries. This application can be sent directly to , including the following documents: appointment confirmation, copy of passport, travel itinerary, reason for urgency of appointment/visit, and the reason for the need to be present personally.
  • The examination of such requests is extremely restrictive in view of the precautionary recommendations issued by the competent health authorities. Only reasons demonstrating an imperative need for face-to-face activity will be taken into account.
  • The Federal Council has decided to suspend all passenger flights between Switzerland and the United Kingdom and between Switzerland and South Africa until further notice. Citizens of the United Kingdom and South Africa who are currently in the Schengen area can continue to enter Switzerland. The salient point is not the nationality, but the place where the journey started.
  • Wearing a mask in public places (indoor and outdoor) is mandatory in major cities in Switzerland.
  • Form for incoming travelers: https://swissplf.admin.ch/formula
  • For more details please visit the website of the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health: https://www.eda.admin.ch/dam/mission-onu-omc-aele-geneve/en/documents/COVID-19-Information-for-people-travelling-to-Switzerland_EN.pdf

U.K.

  • All persons (including UK nationals) arriving from abroad must carry proof of a negative result for COVID-19 issued no more than 72 hours prior to departure using a PCR test.
  • Travel restrictions apply for entry from high-risk countries; entry from these countries will be allowed in cases of extreme need.
  • Representatives of international organizations will not need to complete the passenger locator form and will not need to self-isolate if it is confirmed that their work is essential to the functioning of the mission, international organization or a conference and that it cannot be undertaken whilst self-isolating. Before the travel, the international organization or conference will need to notify the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or Protocol Directorate that will issue an exemption letter to show at the border.
  • Wearing a mask in public places (indoor and outdoor) is mandatory in major cities in the U.K.
  • A lockdown is currently in force in the U.K. Bars and restaurants will be closed although they can offer takeaway food and drink within certain restrictions.
  • For the latest updates, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-travellers-exempt-from-uk-border-rules/coronavirus-covid-19-travellers-exempt-from-uk-border-rules

Travel conditions for North American countries

Canada

  • Permitted essential travel includes work and study, critical infrastructure support, economic services and supply chains, immediate medical care, and safety and security.
  • All persons (including Canadian nationals) arriving via air must present proof of a negative result for COVID-19 issued no more than 72 hours prior to departure using a PCR test.
  • Prior to departure, travelers must submit their personal information and a quarantine plan online via the “ArriveCAN” website or mobile application. You must be ready to show your ArriveCAN receipt when seeking entry into Canada.
  • The traveler contact information form is available through:
    • the ArriveCAN mobile app.
    • an accessible web-based form, or
    • a paper form.
  • All passengers arriving at Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver and/or Calgary international airports must book into a Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) approved hotel for three nights and undergo two COVID -19 molecular tests, one on arrival and one on day 10 of the 14-day quarantine period. The cost of the hotel and testing will be covered by the passenger.
  • Individual provinces may have additional restrictions that can affect your travel. Please refer to provincial websites for full details and the latest information.
  • Wearing a mask in public places (indoor and outdoor) is mandatory in major cities in Canada.
  • Some provinces across Canada have implemented strict lockdowns. Quebec has implemented a curfew, Ontario has issued a stay-at-home order and a few Atlantic provinces have restricted travel.
  • For more information please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/latest-travel-health-advice.html and https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/2019-novel-coronavirus-information-sheet.html.

United States

  • All air passengers entering the United States (including U.S. citizens and Legal Permanent Residents) are required to present a negative COVID-19 test, taken within three (3) calendar days of departure, or proof of recovery from the virus within the last 90 days.
  • Certain business travelers, investors, treaty traders, academics, students, and journalists may qualify for national interest exceptions under Presidential Proclamations (PPs) 9993 (Schengen Area) and 9996 (United Kingdom and Ireland). Qualified travelers who are applying for or have valid visas or ESTA authorization may travel to the United States.
  • Business travelers, investors, academics, J-1 students, journalists, and treaty traders who have a valid visa in the appropriate class, an ESTA authorization that was issued prior to PP 9993 or 9996’s effective date, or who are seeking to apply for a visa, and believe they may qualify for a national interest exception should contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate before traveling. If a national interest exception is approved, they may travel on either a valid visa or ESTA authorization, as appropriate. Before starting this process, you should have a letter from your supervisor describing how your visit will contribute to the US national interest.
  • Many airports in the USA have implemented safety measures designed to limit the spread of COVID-19. You should check the website of the airport you are flying into or transiting to see how these could affect you.
  • Wearing a mask in public places (indoor and outdoor) is mandatory in major cities in the U.S.
  • Hotels are re-opening across the USA but will be operating at capacities dictated by local rules and regulations.
  • For more information please visit:
    https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/national-interest-exceptions-from-certain-travelers-from-the-schengen-area-uk-and-ireland.htm
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

Overview

 AUSTRIABELGIUMFRANCEGERMANYNETHERLANDSSPAINSWITZERLANDU.K.CANADAUSA
Negative COVID-19 test required on arrival
Negative COVID-19 test recommended
Mandatory Travel Documentation
Special entry permit
Mandatory use of masks in public and closed places
Possibility of ending quarantine by showing a recent negative COVID-19 test
National Lockdown
Nightly curfew
Bring your lunch: restaurants, bars and non-essential establishments closed
Partial lockdown
Possibility of traveling within the country