The coronavirus pandemic has changed lives all across the world. For New Hampshire families wanting to adopt internationally, it has thrown their plans into turmoil and uncertainty. As many country borders closed, countless families were forced to wait to finalize the adoption and collect their children.
As of this writing in 2022, most countries, excluding China, have loosened their coronavirus restrictions and are allowing international adoptions to proceed. However, the virus is still active worldwide, and each country has its own safety protocols concerning international travel and adoption. Here are five tips to help you prepare for the road ahead.
NAVIGATING CORONAVIRUS RULES AND INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION
- Double-check the country’s entry requirements. Certain countries, such as Honduras, currently permit U.S. adoptive parents to enter the country if they have proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test. Other countries will allow you to enter if you have a vaccination card and a negative PCR test. Still others have relaxed their coronavirus-related entry requirements entirely. Keep in mind, however, that these rules may change if there is another virus surge.
- Check the in-country coronavirus rules. You’ve entered the country, you may be subject to other coronavirus-related requirements. For example, some countries may require proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test to enter a public building, such as a government office or school. Other countries have a mask mandate for designated public spaces, and even if they don’t, the orphanage or site of the adoption may have its own requirements.
- Prepare for potential quarantine. Even if you enter certain countries, such as Taiwan, with all the requisite coronavirus-related documents, you may have to quarantine for as long as two weeks before meeting your child.
- Stay in close contact with the adoption agency. A reputable adoption agency will stay abreast of the latest coronavirus rules in the countries where they facilitate adoptions. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and initiate an honest discussion of what the adoption process in your target country looks like at the moment.
- Remain flexible. Coronavirus rules can change rapidly. Try your best to remain patient with the process, knowledgeable about requirements, and ready to pick up your child the moment you receive the green light.
TENN AND TENN, P.A.
At Tenn And Tenn, P.A., we are pleased to help clients grow their families through domestic and international adoptions, and assist with other family law matters. We help families in Manchester, Concord, Nashua, Bedford, Derry, and all over New Hampshire. Call Tenn And Tenn, P.A. attorneys today at (603) 614-5055 or contact us online today.