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• The US Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados will resume processing routine B1/B2 (non-immigrant tourist and business) visas. The first interview appointment date available will be December 1. The embassy will only serve citizens and permanent residents within its Eastern Caribbean consular district. Social distancing guidelines and mandatory mask rules apply.
• The ban on foreign nationals entering Brazil via land and maritime borders is extended through December 12. The restrictions apply to all non-residential foreign nationals. However, Brazilian citizens and their close family members, permanent residents, foreign government workers, people traveling for trade and humanitarian purposes are permitted to cross the border.
• In Canada, Ontario province released its new color-coded system and added more regions into the ‘red zone’. The list of regions and restrictions is available here.
• From November 23, foreigners not residing in Chile are allowed to enter the country for tourism, however they are required to present a negative RT-PCR test taken not more than 72 hours prior to the flight. Between November 23-December 7, all travelers from high-risk countries, as published weekly by the World Health Organization (WHO), into Chile will be subject to mandatory quarantine even if they have a negative test.
• In Mexico, the number of COVID patients in Mexico City hospitals increased significantly over the past month leading to tighter restrictions announced on November 13, a full list of which is available here (in Spanish). The government has currently suspended its ‘Reopen’ program’ for entertainment and dining establishments. Starting November 18, all establishments in Mexico City will be required to register on an online portal with the government and provide a QR code to patrons so they can record entry for purposes of contact tracing.
  
• Restrictions on the use of personal vehicles on Sundays, which was previously banned, have now been lifted in Peru from November 15.
• In Puerto Rico (US), authorities extended the statewide curfew from 22:00-05:00 until December 12. North Dakota made the use of facemasks when indoors in businesses and public spaces, and outdoor settings where social distancing cannot be maintained mandatory until atleast December 13. Beginning on 16 November, all bars and restaurants in the state may operate at no more than 50 percent capacity and offer only takeout or delivery services from 22:00 – 04:00 (local time). In a press conference on November 13, President Donald Trump stated that the COVID-19 vaccine would be made available to the public in April 2021.

1. In light of the increasing number of confirmed cases in the Americas, coupled with a large number of countries in the region that have already closed their borders, restrictive measures are likely to be extended throughout the region over the coming days. That said, national governments may remove some restrictions on travel and workplaces in the coming weeks.
2. Regardless of official bans, airlines are likely to continue with either partial or complete flight cancellations even to destinations without bans in light of decreasing demand, while rail and maritime services are also likely to be reduced.
3. Given the situation, further incidents of unrest and related criminal incidents are liable across the region. Those breaking imposed curfews are liable to be stopped, warned, fined, or even arrested by patrolling security forces.

1. Those operating or residing in the Americas on November 14 and the coming days are advised to remain cognizant of authorities’ instructions regarding quarantines and health procedures.
2. Those intending to travel within the region are advised to reconfirm their itineraries with the airline or service provider.
3. Maintain vigilance for possible localized unrest due to panic buying of goods.
4. Take precautions and familiarize yourself with the symptoms and ways to reduce the chances of contracting COVID-19.