While the Covid-19 virus remains a global threat, some countries are cautiously reopening their borders and industries.
We've collated the most up-to-date information on destinations reopening and their current business meetings and events procedures, where applicable. However, this information is subject to change daily and it's important to consider the safety regulations in the country you will return to.
Asia Pacific
Australia
Only Australian citizens, returning permanent residents and their immediate family members can enter Australia without an exemption until further notice.
The regulations around business events in Austrlaia varies in each state:
South Australia - Adelaide: Events are allowed permitting no more than three people are in a space of 4sqm. event of 1,000-plus people must have a COVID management plan in place and a covid marshal is required for each event.
Queensland - Brisbane, The Gold Coast & Cairns: Events are allowed permitting only one person in every 2sqm of useable space and masks must be won in all indoor spaces. A limit of 200-pax event indoors and 1,500-pax outdoors.
Australian Capital Territory - Canberra: Events are allowed permitting one person to every 2sqm of useable space.
All businesses and venues can have at least 25 people across their entire venue. Dlegates can stand while eating and drinking in indoor and outdoor areas. Organisers for events for between 501 and 1000 people are required to notify ACT Health and submit a COVID Safe plan.
The International Convention Centre Sydney has been given approval from the New South Wales Department of Health to hold corporate events and conferences for up to 1,500 people. The gatherings must abide by the venue's EventSafe Operating Guide, with one person per four square meters and no more than 300 people per room.
China
Entry into China by non-Chinese nationals from the UK has been temporarily suspended. However, the nation which was first inflicted by COVID-19 is slowly reopening its economy through manufacturing and now through leisure venues including theme parks and hotels.
Japan
Entry to Japan by foreign nationals from the majority of countries, including the UK, is currently not permitted. Foreign residents of Japan returning to Japan may re-enter.
On 3 June 2021 , the Osaka Convention and Tourism Bureau released its ‘Guidelines for MICE Event Organisers for Infectious Disease Control.’ This provides a detailed checklist for planners of meetings and corporate events for before, during and after the event.
These measures include ‘Collaborative preparation with venues and associate companies’, ‘Prevent close-contact settings’, complete with layout charts, and more.
New Zealand
Following the enforcement of arguably the most stringent safety measures in the world, New Zealand had begun to reopen internally, beginning with dine-in restaurants, businesses and schools.
While social distancing and border control measure remain strict, social gatherings and domestic business gatherings of up to 100 people are allowed. However, because of a rise in cases in Auckland, gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited.
A recent study conducted by the Business Events sector for Tourism New Zealand revealed that 94 per cent of the 230 New Zealand-based organisations polled said they are planning to hold a business event in the next 18 months.
UAE
Dubai continues to receive non-UAE citizens and has opened restaurants and cafes. Hotels are able to operate at 70 per cent capacity and indoor heated venues cannot exceed 50 per cent cpapcity.
Europe
Austria
Currently, Austria is in lockdown therefore tourism and leisure travel are not possible with a specific landing ban on flights from South Africa and Brazil.
Events such as concerts, plays etc. are cancelled. Certain exemptions apply to the province of Vorarlberg.
The government has issued a three-step plan for the eventual return of events, however, the original dates in the plan have shifted to reflect the ongoing situation.
Denmark
From 1 March 2020, you can enter Denmark with a worthy purpose if you are resident in the UK. You must present proof of a negative COVID-19 test, taken no more than 24 hours before entry. Children under 12 are exempt.
You must also have a test on arrival and you are required to self-isolate for 10 days. There is an option for test to release after 4 days.
Starting March 22, the number of persons allowed to participate in outdoor gatherings increased from five to 10; the cap remains five people for indoor gatherings.
France
The health situation in France remains severe and a national curfew between 7pm and 6am is in place.
People are encouraged to work from home, and residents cannot travel more than six miles from their home without an exemption certificate. Bars, restaurants, cinemas, theaters, museums and gyms remain closed. Gatherings of six or more people are prohibited.
Germany
Germany has extended its lockdown until at least April 18, with restrictions based on regional Covid-19 rates. Only essential travel within the country is allowed and overnight hotel stays for travellers are not permitted at this time.
Greece
The Greek authorities have implemented tough measures to help combat the spread of COVID-19.
There are specific measures in place in the cities of Athens and the surrounding Attica region, and in Thessaloniki and Chalkidiki.
The rest of Greece is split into a number of categories, with different levels of measures applying in different categories. These categories are: amber areas; red areas; and areas of heightened concern. More information can be found here.
Iceland
On 6 April 2021, Iceland's is open to all vaccinated and previously infected travellers. All travellers visiting Iceland must show either a certificate of full vaccination against COVID or a certificate of previous COVID infection.
The general gathering limit is 50 people and ski slopes for incentive travellers are open but with restrictions.
Cinemas, performing arts and cultural events may have up to 50 performers and 200 persons (seated) in the audience.
Sporting events may have up to 50 participants and 200 persons (seated) in the audience, or 50 spectators if standing.
Restaurants, bars and nightclubs may admit up to 50 guests and must close by 11pm (no new guests permitted after 10pm).Face masks must be worn where it is not possible to ensure a two-meter social distance.
Italy
For a time, Italy was the worst affected country in Europe, but it was soon surpassed by England.
Italy opened its borders to travellers from EU countries, the UK and the Schengen area on 3 June and declared the 14-day quarantine requirement upon arrival was no longer necessary. However, gatherings are still prohibited across the country.
Malta
Monaco
Monaco's borders are open to citizens and residents of EU member countries, as well as Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland and the Vatican.
In support of plans for a post-Covid-19 resumption of events activity, the Prince’s Government has created the Monaco Safe certification to promote confidence in visitors to the Principality.
The aim is to guarantee a secure environment in the Principality for both customers and employees, showing that the business owner is adopting a responsible approach to the current requirements and health measures decreed by the Prince’s Government as part of efforts to control the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
The Netherlands
On 1 June, the Netherlands reopened bars, theatres and museums. Currently, there are no restrictions in the number of attendees for meetings, events, conventions, as long as people are able to keep 1.5 metres apart.
On 15 June, the country reopened its borders to tourists in 30 countries, including those in the EU and Schengen area.
The Netherlands' safety guidance is reconsidered every 14 days.
Norway
In addition to Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands which opened 15th June, Norway is now are lifting travel restrictions for a number of countries and regions in Europe, from the 15 July.
The countries/regions are Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, United Kingdom, Switzerland.
These lightened restrictions mean travellers will not have to go into quarantine when they enter Norway from the above countries. However, this is dependent on the infection situation not worsening.
Slovakia
Borders open to 19 countries without quarantine. Most businesses open and events for up to 1,000 people are permitted from 1 July.
Spain
Borders open for EU, EFTA states, and the UK only. Residents can travel around the country without restriction
Sweden
Unlike other countries in the region, Sweden's government didn’t enforce a lockdown and gatherings of 50 people or fewer are prohibited.
Switzerland
Switzerland reopened its borders with all EU/EFTA countries as well as the UK on 15 June and for all other Schengen countries, the borders are set to open by 6 July.
Public and private events of up to 1,000 people as well as "spontaneous gatherings" of up to 30 people are allowed.
United Kingdom
The UK's borders are open but a 14-day self-quarantine applies to everyone. This regulation is to be reviewed on 29 June.
From 4 July hotels, restaurants, pubs and other businesses can open, under certain guidelines.
North America
Canada
Each jurisdiction in Canada has control over when and how they will begin the reopening process.
British Columbia began reopening in mid-May, including ‘small social gatherings’ of up to 50 people, with hotels and resorts beginning to reopen in June.
Alberta began the first stage of its reopening strategy on 14 May, allowing for the reopening of retail businesses and gatherings of up to 15 people.
Ontario began stage one of its recovery plan on 19 May. Many areas of the region have entered stage two, with groups of up to 10 permitted and restaurants and bars are allowed to reopen for outdoor dining.
Quebec's premier began allowing indoor gatherings of up to 10 people on 15 June.
Barbados
All businesses in Barbados have been allowed to reopen and Barbados’ air space is set to reopen to commercial flights within the first two weeks of July.
Jamaica
The Jamaican Government has implemented a five-point recovery plan that aims to stagger the reopening of its attractions.
International visitors will be subject to health screenings on arrival at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay and every hotel will have a ‘Covid-19 safety point person’ who will assess guests’ health.
Currently, gatherings of up to 10 people are allowed.
USA
Each state in the US has begun to reduce its restrictions and in many places, businesses are beginning to reopen.
However, as many states reopen, others are becoming stricter due to high levels of new Covid-19 cases.
Information on the status of all states can be found here.
Is anything missing? Please email us at [email protected]
A desire to travel led Holly Patrick to the business meetings and events world and she’s never looked back. Holly takes a particular interest in event sustainability and creating a diverse and inclusive industry. When she’s not working, she can be found rolling skating along Brighton seafront listening to an eclectic playlist, featuring the likes of Patti Smith, Sean Paul, and Arooj Aftab.
