U.S. Implements Major Restrictions to Entry this Week as a Result of COVID-19

Major restrictions to traveling into the United States are being implemented rapidly this week as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

First, Homeland Security confirmed yesterday (Friday) that the U.S. and Canada are temporarily restricting all non-essential travel across their borders.  The U.S. and Mexico also are restricting non-essential travel across the southern border. These restrictions took effect today, March 21, 2020, and will be in place for 30 days, at which point they will be reviewed by each country.  Travel for recreation or tourism is considered “non-essential.” Essential services related to the movement of food, fuel, healthcare and life-saving medicines will continue.  

Second, the State Department announced yesterday (Friday) that it is suspending routine visa services at all U.S. embassies and consulates as of March 20, 2020 (same day). The State Department has not specified when it will resume visa interviews, but it will honor visa application fees paid in connection with a cancelled interview for one year from date of payment. It has advised checking the website of a country-specific embassy or consulate for its current operating status.

Finally, earlier this week, on March 19, 2020, Homeland Security suspended the operation of all CBP Trusted Traveler Program Enrollment Centers due to the outbreak of COVID-19 until at least May 1, 2020.  The temporary closure includes all public access to Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST enrollment locations. As a reminder, residents of New York will no longer be eligible to apply for or renew membership in CBP Trusted Traveler Programs. For more information, please see this CBP statement from February 6, 2020.

Overall, the government is announcing major restrictions to international travel at very short notice.  We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as soon as possible.   

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you would like to discuss any of these developments or have urgent international travel needs, please do not hesitate to contact me.