An Update on The Department of Homeland Security’s travel restrictions from Europe and The State Department’s Level 3 global health advisory
Understandably, there is a lot of confusion about the travel restrictions from Europe that go into effect at 11:59 Eastern on Friday night. The Department of Homeland Security clarified Wednesday night what the presidential proclamation regarding travel from Europe calls for.
Related:
Who Qualifies?
The ban applies to foreign nationals who have been in the Schengen area of Europe who have been in one or more those countries within 14 days of their scheduled arrival in the U.S. (Schengen Zone is 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.)
The ban does not apply to: U.S. citizens; legal permanent residents of the U.S.; spouses of U.S. citizens or permanent residents; parents or legal guardians of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents who are not married and under 21; siblings of U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents provided all parties are unmarried and under 21; or children, foster children, or wards of a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, or who is a prospective adoptee seeking to enter the United States pursuant to the IR-4 or IH-4 visa classifications.
Am I Exempt From Travel Restrictions?
U.S. citizens on flights departing before 11:59 p.m. Eastern on Friday are exempt from the restrictions. Those flying into the U.S. from the Schengen area, Iran, or mainland China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) afterward will be routed through one of the following airports for screening before being admitted into the U.S.: Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, Dallas-Fort Worth, Detroit, Newark Liberty, Honolulu, New York JFK, Los Angeles International, Chicago O’Hare, Seattle-Tacoma, San Francisco International, or Washington Dulles.
How Can I Prepare?
Travellers are encouraged to arrive at airports at least three hours before their scheduled flights to leave themselves time to go through any additional screening. If you are scheduled to travel back to the U.S. from one of the areas, contact your travel advisor for guidance.
Today the State Department also issued a Level 3 global health advisory. This blanket statement advises U.S. citizens to reconsider travel abroad for the time being. Those who do travel internationally are urged to enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrolment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
While I as a travel advisor cannot make the decision for you on whether to travel, I am here to provide you with up-to-date information and assist you with altering any bookings you have made with me. Please do not hesitate to contact me.