Planning private flights with travel restrictions

With continued pandemic precautions and awareness of higher COVID-19 risk areas along with the new COVID-19 variant, some countries have re-entered a lockdown, while some remain vigilant on COVID-19 best practices for all flights and travel to enter. It is important to review all regulations for travel and tourism as some countries extending travel restrictions for non-essential travel. Where there are restrictions, travelers could experience border closures, airport closures, travel prohibitions, stay at home orders, and even penalties and fines for those not in accordance with guidelines.

As we assist with private air charter for global flights, we remain committed, across all of our services, to help our customers fly safely for business and leisure wherever they are allowed to do so. Our air charter experts are dedicated to helping you get by any travel restriction challenges, and we remain extra-aware of any country-specific entry and exit restrictions for foreign nationals.

When handling flights for our clients, we pay special attention to all COVID-19 and travel advisories from the Center for Disease Control, as well as local or foreign government requirements. Based on your desired flight routes, we will always provide the best recommendations to help you avoid any inconvenience or surprises. Right now, some countries may be allowing for essential or business-related travel for US citizens, under the right circumstances with approval. For countries with travel restrictions, documents required for entry may include proof of prior COVID-19 test, valid company letter, health declaration, a diplomatic clearance, visa or other special permits or registrations. Regardless of your group size, our air charter specialists help you to obtain any necessary clearances, approvals and permits for your flights and traveling passengers.

Throughout the pandemic, we have flown our clients domestically and internationally, helping many customers fly where they need to, as well as repatriate citizens needing to return home. With increased safety measures and flexibility across all of our services, private jet charter is proving to be a safer and more reliable way to fly to other cities and countries during this time. 

Below are some updates travel restriction details across the continents that you can consider while planning your upcoming flights, As restrictions and regulations are subject to change frequently or without notice, we recommend that you still continue to check with CDC, World Health Organization (WHO) and government websites for the most up-to-date travel information. Speak to one of our team members to discuss how we can help you fly privately anywhere in the world. Contact us directly with any questions.

USA

• Entry restrictions:  For those planning to travel internationally, the CDC (as of January 12) advises travelers to get tested before flying into the USA.  The order (effective January 26) states COVID-19 testing should be completed no more than 3 days (72 hours) prior to flight. Travelers entering the USA should be prepared to show proof of the negative test results along with a letter from a healthcare provider or a public health official. The USA has prohibited travel from the United Kingdom, Ireland, the European Schengen Area, Iran, Brazil and China - some exceptions may apply. Citizens and lawful permanent residents of the United States, certain family members and other individuals who meet specified exceptions, who have been in any of those countries. 
• Business and essential travel: Allowed into the US on a case-by-case basis, with proper documentation and visas, and dependent on country of flight origin. Essential travel may allow for those flying for medical treatment, education and study, work, industry-specific (travel for public health officials, emergency responders, government & diplomatic travel, military-related), critical infrastructure support.
• Coronavirus measures: The USA border will require all arriving to be tested. A 72-hour negative COVID-19 test or mandatory self-quarantine is also dependent at the state and county level. Learn more

• Return travel: US citizens and legal permanent residents returning to the United States from the UK, Ireland and the European Schengen area should ensure they meet all specifications before traveling to the US during this time. Those returning from Brazil and China may be required to enter a 14-day mandatory quarantine upon arriving to the US. citizens and legal permanent residents are allowed to return, while there may be varying quarantine mandates for those returning from CDC Level 3 (or higher) countries. 

United Kingdom 

• Entry restrictions: The United Kingdom is under a full national lockdown beginning January 5. As COVID-19 vaccines continue to be distributed and administered. The travel corridor list has removed countries from the allowed in list, including United Arab Emirates, Botswana, Israel (and Jerusalem), Mauritius and Seychelles. 
• Business & essential travel: Only essential travel may be allowed to and from the UK, with proper testing and clearances in place. Travel to the UK beyond the essential purposes may be denied. Additionally, many countries have banned flights from the UK due to the new COVID-19 variant. Until now, the borders had been open with no test requirements. 
• Coronavirus measures: Travelers must self-isolate for 10 days when arriving in the UK. The COVID-19 regulation applies to UK residents and visitors to the UK.  Travellers should also fill out the passenger locator form. Visitors from South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Eswatini, Zambia, Malawi, Lesotho, Mozambique, Angola, Seychelles and Mauritius have been barred from entering the UK, and if arrived recently, may need to quarantine..

Europe

• Entry restrictions: Depending on the country, restrictions and procedures may vary and specific lists for the "travel corridor" is updated frequently. Many countries require COVID-19 testing and quarantines, and specific clearances for essential travel may be required. As well, some countries have re-entered the lockdown, such as Austria and Bulgaria, which is expected to be in place until the end of January. As well, many countries are not currently allowing travelers from the United Kingdom, such as Spain.
• Business & essential travel:  It is recommended to check with CDC and country-specific guidelines before departing. In some cases, a company letter is required, and some countries do require a diplomatic clearance, or approval from a consulate or embassy. 

• Coronavirus measures: Starting January 15, all travelers entering the UK, including British citizens, will need to present a negative Covid test taken within 72 hours of arrival a 14-day self-isolation is required. For countries allowing foreigners, a negative COVID-19 result may be mandatory prior to flying.
• Return travel: US citizens and legal permanent residents are allowed to return. In the United States, quarantine requirements and recommendations may vary by state. Our air charter specialists can advise on flying by private jet to and from European countries.

Canada

• Entry restrictions: Allows Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada, or registered and protected persons. Foreign nationals, including United States (US) citizens, can travel to Canada only if eligible based on essential (non-tourism) purposes or worthy travel reasons, and with special permission issued by Canadian embassy. Travelers flying to Canada must submit a traveler contact information form, submitted via the app or paper document.
• Business & essential travel: Foreign nationals may enter on a case-by-case basis. Essential travel may allow for those flying for compassionate reasons (i.e. duty of care, medical treatment or support, final moments or funeral). Travelers from the US may be eligible to enter Canada for purposes of education/study, work, industry-specific and other pre-approved special instances.
• Coronavirus measures: As of January 7, 2021, air travellers 5 years of age or older will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test result to the airline prior to boarding international flights arriving to Canada.Foreign nationals with symptoms of COVID-19 will be denied entry. With or without symptoms, a mandatory plan to self-quarantine for 14 days is required for Canada.
• Return travel: US citizens and legal permanent residents are allowed to return. Our air charter specialists can advise on flying by private jet to and from Canada.

Caribbean

• Entry restrictions: Mostly every island is open for business and leisure/tourism. British Virgin Islands entry is subject to pre-approval, quarantine and testing protocols, and Cayman Islands and Cuba have to be approved. Where there are restrictions, travelers could experience border closures, airport closures, travel prohibitions, stay at home orders. Dominican Republic and Haiti is open without any restrictions for travel.
• Business & essential travel: For the Caribbean's open borders in the Caribbean, this is generally allowed and regulations may vary.
• Coronavirus measures: Foreign nationals generally will require a prior negative COVID-19 test to enter islands in the Caribbean. Some require a certificate of proof, such as the Bahamas. Some countries require for a prior 72 hour COVID test, however others specify a test from 5 to 7 or 10 days prior. It is important to check which pre-approvals are necessary per country, along with any health and entry forms. Some islands require a 10 to 14 day self-isolation or hotel quarantine, along with local COVID re-test for longer stays.
• Return travel: US citizens and legal permanent residents are allowed to return. In the United States, quarantine requirements and recommendations may vary by state. Our air charter specialists can advise on flying by private jet to and from the Caribbean countries.

South America

• Entry restrictions: Varies country to country. Brazil lifted its travel ban, while the more restrictive countries currently include Argentina, Venezuela, Suriname, and Uruguay, remaining closed to foreign nationals and US citizens. Colombia, Ecuador and Panama are all open. A special permit is required for flights to the Galapagos, and visitors must undergo either a 48 hour quarantine on arrival or a 14-day prior quarantine on mainland.
• Business & essential travel: Chile allows US citizens to enter for emergency purposes, with prior approval from the Chilean embassy or consulate.
• Coronavirus measures: With increased COVID-19 risk levels in South America, it is recommended to check the CDC travel information for up-to-date regulations. Brazil and Costa Rica do not require any testing or quarantine for foreign nationals to enter. with prior COVID testing requirements.
• Return travel: There may be restrictions for returning from specific countries in South America, and restrictions may change at any time. Our air charter specialists can advise on flying by private jet to and from South American countries.

Mexico

• Entry restrictions: US Citizens are permitted to enter with restrictions.
• Business & essential travel:  For Mexico, non-essential travel (tourism or recreation) is restricted at the moment.
• Business & essential travel: No prior COVID-19 is necessary for entry, and US citizens are not required to quarantine. Travelers may be subject to health screenings which involve temperature checks. There may be movement restrictions based on the city/state, as well as area-specific interstate and intercity travel.
• Return travel: US citizens and legal permanent residents are allowed to return. In the United States, quarantine requirements and recommendations may vary by state. Our air charter specialists can advise on flying by private jet to and from Mexico.

Middle East

• Entry restrictions: Borders closed to foreign nationals include Iran, Iraq, Israel, Palestine, Syria. The following countries of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, and United Arab Emirates are open with restrictions and health protocols. Turkey is open with a visa or e-visa application. 
• Business & essential travel: US travelers can enter Saudi Arabia and Qatar for business purposes (with valid business visa), possible test and quarantine upon arrival.
• Coronavirus measures: Anywhere with restrictions may require negative test result, anywhere from 48 hours to 96 hours prior. Dubai requires a re-test on arrival with hotel quarantine until results are available. Abu Dhabi and Kuwait require a 14-day quarantine. Saudi
• Return travel: US citizens and legal permanent residents are allowed to return. In the United States, quarantine requirements and recommendations may vary by state. Our air charter specialists can advise on flying by private jet to and from Middle Eastern countries.

Australia

• Entry restrictions: Closed to foreign nationals. Travelers flying to Australia can only enter if they are an Australian citizen, have permanent residence or have an exceptional reason.
• Business & essential travel:  
• Coronavirus measures: Any one allowed in will be required to quarantine for 14 days.

Asia

• Entry restrictions: Hong Kong remains closed, and Singapore and Macau are restricted to only nationals and residents, allowing only some travelers from Japan, Brunei, South Korea, and select China provinces. Many counties in Asia plan to re-open for tourism. Maldives is currently open for all nationalities. South Korea is currently open with quarantine, and India allows travelers on a case-by-case basis.
• Business & essential travel: China, Japan and Taiwan does allow for foreign business travel, with 7 to 14-day quarantines, negative COVID-19 test and visas or local permits. Japan requires the EX or EX-R Visa for business travelers. For US travelers looking for entry into Thailand,  
• Coronavirus measures: Prior COVID-19 testing and quarantines may be applicable based on country of entry.
• Return travel: US citizens and legal permanent residents are allowed to return. In the United States, quarantine requirements and recommendations vary by state. Our air charter specialists can advise on flying by private jet to and from Asian countries.

Our expert team of aviation professionals are available 24/7 to help you plan your private or company travel and ready to assist with your air charter needs. Contact us at any time with any questions.