Covid-19 US travel ban in force
With limited exceptions, foreign nationals will be barred from entering the United States if they have been physically present in one of the 26 countries of the Schengen Area, the UK, Ireland, China or Iran within 14 days before their attempted entry.
The Schengen Area comprises: 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.
US citizens, lawful permanent residents, their spouses and children under 21, and certain other family members are not subject to the travel restrictions, among other non-immigrant exemptions, but a new arrivals process is currently in place on their return to the US.
The travel restrictions came into force per Presidential Proclamation and will remain in effect until terminated by President Trump.
Restrictions for travel ban exemptions
While not subject to the travel ban, American citizens, green card holders and immediate family members face additional health screening and restrictions when they arrive.
There are only thirteen airports in the United States accepting individuals who have been within the countries subject to the travel ban:
- Boston-Logan International Airport (BOS), Massachusetts
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Illinois
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Texas
- Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), Michigan
- Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), Hawaii
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Georgia
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York
- Los Angeles International Airport, (LAX), California
- Miami International Airport (MIA), Florida
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), New Jersey
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO), California
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Washington
- Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD), Virginia
The restrictions have led to prolonged wait times at customs for passengers returning from overseas.
Travel advice
NNU Immigration is actively monitoring the impact of COVID-19 and coronavirus-related issues on US immigration policy and applications.
As the situation continues to develop on a daily basis, please contact our US immigration specialists for the latest advice for your specific circumstances.
Last updated: March 24, 2020
Author
Founder & Principal Attorney Nita Nicole Upadhye is a recognized leader in the field of US business immigration law, (The Legal 500, Chambers & Partners, Who's Who Legal and AILA) and an experienced and trusted advisor to large multinational corporates through to SMEs. She provides strategic immigration advice and specialist application support to corporations and professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, artists, actors and athletes from across the globe to meet their US-bound talent mobility needs.
Nita is an active public speaker, thought leader, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals.
