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The government of Northern Ireland has said that it will impose strict COVID-19 measures for two weeks from 27 November; this includes the closing of its entire hospitality sector, non-essential retail and places of worship in what is essentially a circuit-breaker style lockdown.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

The national airline of Sri Lanka has announced a new, direct twice-weekly service from London Heathrow to the capital of the Maldives, Male from 12 December. The route will operate until 13 April 2021, running alongside partner British Airways’ six-times-weekly direct Heathrow-Male service.

The country’s government has announced a phased lifting of international travel restrictions, and is now welcoming back visitors after air travel has resumed at several major airports. The country also expects to re-open its land borders with neighboring countries, including South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe on 1 December. Arriving passengers will, however, be required to adhere to requirements including COVID-19 testing.

The country’s government has announced that from 19 November it will make face masks mandatory for passengers on both public transport in Auckland, and on all domestic flights. The rules take effect on 19 November for travellers older than 12 on public transport in and out of Auckland. Taxi and Uber drivers must also wear masks, although their passengers have been exempted.

The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has published updated information for British nationals and residents travelling to Romania; from 13 November, travellers arriving directly from the UK are no longer required to self-isolate on arrival.