Restrictions to Entry Extended to Travelers from 26 European Countries

In light of the rapidly changing circumstances around COVID-19, better known as Coronavirus, President Trump has issued a new proclamation this week, which restricts travel to the U.S. from the following 26 European countries (Schengen states) and which takes effect tonight, Friday, March 13 at midnight: 

  • Austria 

  • Belgium 

  • Czech Republic 

  • Denmark 

  • Estonia 

  • Finland 

  • France 

  • Germany 

  • Greece 

  • Hungary 

  • Iceland

  • Italy 

  • Latvia 

  • Liechtenstein 

  • Lithuania 

  • Luxembourg 

  • Malta 

  • Netherlands 

  • Norway 

  • Poland 

  • Portugal 

  • Slovakia 

  • Slovenia 

  • Spain 

  • Sweden 

  • Switzerland.

U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents are not subject to these travel restrictions, but will face enhanced screening at airports.  

Existing U.S. Restrictions for Travelers from China, Iran, Italy and South Korea  

On January 31, 2020, the  Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents attempting to return to the U.S. after having visited China in the last 14 days would be subject to strict airport screening and a mandatory 14-day quarantine, while most foreign nationals attempting entry will be denied. 

This travel ban was extended on February 29 to foreign nationals attempting entry into the U.S. who have visited Iran in the last 14 days. Similar to the China travel ban, U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents are not barred from entry.

The Administration also put into place mandatory screening for all travelers coming into the country from Italy and South Korea.

State Department Discourages International Travel at this Time

The U.S. Department of State has advised U.S. travelers to reconsider international travel plans and strongly discourages any travel by cruises. If international travel is necessary, please carefully review the country travel advisories, which can be found here.  Many countries around the world have been enacting travel restrictions, quarantines, and enhanced screening procedures in an effort to mitigate the effects of the virus.  

We will continue to monitor the travel restrictions and provide updates as soon as possible. 

This alert is for informational purposes only.  Please contact us if you would like to discuss this development further.  

Nadia YakoobCOVID-19, Corona virus, Travel ban, Travel restrictions, international students, 26 European countries, Health screenings, 14-day self-quarantine, International travel, Corona virus and immigration