The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a lot of confusion and concern about traveling. Since countries around the world are trying to protect their borders and citizens while doing their best to stop the spread of the virus, travel guidelines are constantly changing.
While some countries have started easing their travel guidelines and opening their borders to people, others have completely blocked their borders and put an embargo on travel. In the midst of this, one of the most affected groups of people is students. Even though the pandemic has been spreading, it’s hard for students to put a pin on their plans, especially when the plans involve studying abroad. Since prior to the pandemic, students have been trying their best to get into the world’s top universities and colleges with a view to improving their future career prospects. However, considering the ban on international travel, many schools and colleges restricted the entry of international students to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
In this article, we have shed light on the latest updates and insights concerning travel restrictions around the world, and how this may or may not affect your future study plans. Here’s a look at the top countries of the world where students go to study, and their pandemic situation –
- New ZealandNew Zealand made the news for being one of the first countries to close its borders to the entire world, in order to protect its own people and stop the virus from spreading. The government was heavyset on restricting the number of international students that were allowed to enter the country for further studies. Travellers need to have a negative COVID-19 test 72 hours prior to their scheduled departure time. Last updated, travellers were required to spend 14 days in isolation upon their arrival in New Zealand, the rules have now relaxed.
- UKThe United Kingdom was extremely restrictive in terms of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic considering the vast portion of the population that was affected by it. During the pandemic, the UK suspended travel corridors and restricted international students from entering the country. Since 2021, the government had relaxed the restrictions for passengers traveling from nations that had low COVID-19 numbers. Since the UK was under a national lockdown for a long period, the government was doing its best to keep waves of the pandemic at bay. Now, the restrictions have relaxed and students can travel easily to and fro. It is important for students to check if they require a negative COVID-19 test prior to their scheduled departure.
- CanadaJust like many other countries, Canada too had kept its borders closed until February 2021 quite strictly. Travel restrictions were imposed for international students unless they had a valid study permit, or those who were attending designated learning institutions and could produce a COVID-19 readiness plan. With relaxations easing in, Canada too, has eased up several restrictions on international travel for students. Nonetheless, there still remains a gray area in terms of visa approvals for students. Many students applying to Canada for further studies have been facing delays in receiving their student visas.
- USThe US had strictly put out a list of names of nations from where international students were restricted from traveling. These included China, Ireland, the UK, South Africa, Iran, Brazil, and several countries in Europe. Now, since the spread of COVID-19 has reduced exponentially, the US is once again open for international students to continue their further studies.
- AustraliaAustralia had also imposed strong travel restrictions in terms of allowing international passengers and students from entering the country. Now, all restrictions have been relaxed and students can easily travel for higher studies.
Eager to go abroad for your further studies? Fortunately, travel bans have eased up around the world, but students are continuing to face a lot of trouble in terms of getting their student visas on time. Do check with your education counsellor, or check with the government of the country you are applying to, to understand the latest updates on travel.
Disclaimer: Please visit government websites of the countries you wish to travel to for studies, for further updated information. We encourage and motivate students to first look into their own safety and avoid travelling if there is a risk involved.