On March 11th, 2020, President Trump issued a new Presidential Proclamation expanding the scope of two previously issued travel bans suspending entry of immigrants and nonimmigrants into the United States, with exceptions detailed below, in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 or“COVID-19”. The Proclamation, entitled, Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting 2019 Novel Coronavirus, broadens previous travel restrictions (Proclamation 9984) announced on January 31, 2020 and expanded on February 29, 2020.
Beginning 11:59 p.m. EDT, March 13, 2020, the United States will expand travel restrictions to foreign nationals (immigrants or nonimmigrants) who were physically present within the European Schengen Area during the 14-day period immediately preceding entry or attempted entry into the United States. The Schengen Area includes: 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.
This proclamation does not apply to persons aboard a flight scheduled to arrive in the United States that departed prior to 11:59 p.m. eastern daylight time on March 13, 2020.
Who is affected as of March 13th, 2020?
Nonimmigrants and immigrants* physically present in the following counties within the 14-day period immediately preceding entry or attempted entry into the United States including:
*certain individuals exempt from the travel restrictions are listed below
How long will this travel ban be in place?
In his televised announcement, President Trump indicated this additional travel restriction would last for 30 days. However, the White House’s press release states the proclamation will remain in effect until terminated by the President (based on recommendations from the Secretary of Health and Human Services). We will continue to monitor the situation closely for further updates or developments.
How does this affect my visa appointment or other consular processes?
The Department of State has indicated that any U.S. Embassies and Consulates in these and other countries may limit or suspend consular operations at any time with little or no notice. For the latest updates from the Department of State, please visit travel.state.gov and/or the State Department’s Current Outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 page.
Who is exempt from this new Presidential Proclamation?
The following categories of individuals are exempt from this temporary entry ban:
This is a very recent development subject to change at any time. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide you with updates on these travel restrictions and how they may apply to you.
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