COVID-19: New U.S. Travel Restrictions for Foreign Nationals

In an effort to control the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, the United States has issued a proclamation restricting most travelers from Europe. The restrictions are effective Friday, March 13, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time. 

Foreign nationals who have been in the Schengen Area (an area of Europe comprising 26 states) at any point during the preceding 14 days before their scheduled arrival to the United States will not be allowed entry into the United States after this proclamation comes into effect. The countries in the Schengen Area are: 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, and Switzerland. 

United States citizens, lawful permanent residents, and their spouses and children are exempt from this restriction.  Parents, guardians, and minor siblings (under 21) of U.S. citizens or permanent residents under the age of 21 are exempt as well. For a full list of exemptions please see the Europe Proclamation Text.

This new ban is in addition to the existing travel restrictions, which prohibit foreign nationals who have visited China or Iran in the past 14 days from entering the United States. For a list of exemptions please see the China and Iran Proclamation Text.

For more information about coronavirus, please see the CDC’s website.  Please do not hesitate to contact us at info@sostrin.com if you have any questions or concerns relating to these travel restrictions.