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The government of Greece has shut one border crossing with Albania and has started to conduct rapid COVID-19 tests on all visitors at its land borders, following sharp rises in COVID-19 cases. Visitors entering from land borders were already required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result obtained at least 72 hours prior to travel; now upon arrival, they will be re-tested by Greek authorities. The measures came into effect as of 04.00 (GMT) today, 20 November.

The middle-eastern airline has announced a finalised 'codeshare' agreement with Air Canada, for travel between Qatar's capital of Doha and the Canadian city of Toronto. The first flight will operate on 15 December and seats are now available for sale, offering a more seamless, one-stop connection between the two hubs.

The U.S. government has announced that its land borders with both Mexico and Canada will remain closed to non-essential travel for at least another month until 21 December. The land border restrictions, aimed at controlling the COVID-19 pandemic, were first announced in March and have thus far been renewed monthly.

The government of Ireland has announced that from 30 November those arriving from ‘red’ regions, which includes the UK and the rest of Europe, can reduce their quarantine period from 14 days to five by obtaining a negative COVID-19 test result at the end of the five day period. Previously, Ireland announced earlier this month that they would be aligning with the EU ‘traffic light’ system for international travel, which categorises regions in colour codes according to the effectiveness of their controls over COVID-19.

The UK government has announced that from 04.00 (GMT) on Saturday 21 November, anyone arriving or returning from the following countries to England, Wales or Northern Ireland will NOT be required to self-isolate: Israel, Namibia, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Uruguay, Bonaire, St Eustatius & Saba, the Northern Mariana Islands and the US Virgin Islands. No countries were this week removed from the 'travel corridor' list.

The government of the Caribbean nation has published its lastest update to COVID-19 entry requirements; travellers from all countries are now allowed to enter under regular visa requirements, however all arrivals into Antigua and Barbuda will need to provide proof of a negative COVID19 PCR test result, obtained a maximum of seven days prior to arrival. If the traveller shows symptoms on arrival or doesn't have an approved test result, a second test may be required at their own cost. All tourists visiting Antigua and Barbuda during the pandemic can stay at only authorised hotels and inns unless they agree to be subject to a 14-day quarantine. Visitors will need to abide by a current curfew, in effect from 23.00 to 05.00 (local time) until 31 December.

The government of South Australia has announced the state will go into a strict circuit breaker-style lockdown for six days in an attempt to get the recent COVID-19 outbreak under control. The lockdown will start at 23.59 (local time) on 18 November, and people will be heavily restricted from going outside of their homes; only one person per household will be able to leave each day, but only for specific purposes, and masks must be worn. Schools and universities will close, takeaway food restaurants will not be allowed to operate and pubs, cafes and coffee shops must shut their doors.

The airline is set to launch voluntary COVID-19 testing for passengers travelling to the UK from three US airports. The trial begins on 25 November and will be free to eligible customers on three flights: an American Airlines flight from Dallas Fort Worth to London Heathrow; British Airways from Los Angeles to London Heathrow, and British Airways from New York John F. Kennedy to London Heathrow. Passengers will be tested 72 hours before their trip, as well as during and after travelling. If they test positive before travelling, they will have to reschedule or cancel their flight, but will be able to rebook at a later date without a fee.

The Norway-based cruise line, which was the first to resume cruise operations in the Caribbean, has now cancelled all remaining 2020 departures following a COVID-19 outbreak on board one of its ships.

New South African budget airline Lift, co-founded by created of low-cost airline Kulula, will take to the skies in the country from 10 December with its fleet of three Airbus A320 aircraft. A first for low-cost airlines, Lift will allow greater ticket flexibility than other budget carriers; passengers will be able to change or cancel flights without penalty.

The first minister of Scotland has announced that 11 areas of the country, including the city of Glasgow, will be moved into the highest COVID-19 level ‘four’ restrictions from 18.00 (GMT) on 20 November.

The airline has announced that it will add twice-weekly services to the Indian cities of Chennai and Hyderabad from 19 November 19th, which will operate on Thursdays and Saturdays. The national carrier of the sultanate of Oman has also said that it will maintain its comprehensive safety program throughout all elements of the travel journey to ensure that guests fly confidently.

The country’s government has announced that Chile is set to open its borders for the first time in eight months, on 23 November; however, a measured approach is in place and arrivals will be subject to certain restrictions including pre-testing, completion of a health passport, adherence to insurance requirements and also being prepared to quarantine depending on the country of origin.

The country's government has said that it will introduce a partial curfew on weekends due to the increase in the number of new cases of COVID-19. In addition, the Turkish authorities have decided to close all cafes and restaurants in the country, allowing them to work only for take-out. No time frame has been given as to how long these new measures will remain in place.

The UK rail operator has published updated information to engineering works being carried out over the Christmas period; from 25-30 December, no services will operate to or from London Kings Cross.

The Abu Dhabi-based airline Etihad Airways has announced that it will launch a daily scheduled year-round flight to Tel Aviv in Israel from 28 March 2020. The launch of the flight follows the normalisation of diplomatic ties between the two nations, on 15 September.

The airline has announced plans to begin rolling out ‘Verifly’ this month, a new mobile app to help passengers easily understand COVID-19 testing and documentation requirements. It’ll be available from 18 November on selected flights, and will give passengers a ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ status pre-travel depending on the amount of supporting information and documentation that has been provided.

The country’s government is set to impose tougher COVID-19 restrictions from 21 November, and Iran enters its third wave of infections. The ‘red level three’ measures will be imposed in the capital Tehran, and 100 other towns and cities.

The country's government has announced that Cuba has re-opened its borders to international tourism; travellers from all countries are now permitted to visit the country under regular visa requirements. There are no online forms to fill out before travelling, however all travellers must complete a health declaration before arrival, and will be tested for COVID-19 at the airport. The traveller will then quarantine at their hotel for a maximum of 24 hours while awaiting test results. If the test is negative, the traveller can continue to enjoy their trip freely. There is no fee for the COVID-19 tests. All incoming travellers should have travel insurance that covers COVID-19 for the duration of their trip. Travellers visiting Varadero are required to have COVID-19 insurance and must bring proof of their hotel reservation.

The government of Spain announced last week that from 23 November, all passengers travelling to Spanish airports and ports from ‘risk’ countries, which currently includes the UK, are required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result obtained a maximum of 72 hours prior to arrival.