In a speech made from the Oval Office, President Trump announced the implementation of an European travel ban in response to the growing COVID-19 pandemic. View Trump’s European Travel Ban Announcement here.
Who is impacted?
The travel ban will prohibit foreign nationals from entering the U.S. if they have been physically present in the Schengen Area within 14 days prior to entry.
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.
The travel ban also applies to those involved in transporting goods, although imports themselves have not been banned.
Who is exempt from the travel ban?
- U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents (LPRs), spouses and certain family members of U.S. citizens and LPRs are exempt from the travel ban. Screening and other precautionary measures can be expected upon arrival.
- Travelers to the U.S. from the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) and Ireland are not included in the travel ban.
When does the travel ban take effect and how long will it last?
The travel ban will take effect on Friday, March 13 at 11:59 pm EDT, and will remain in effect until terminated by the President. Those who depart before 11:59 PM EDT will be allowed to enter the United States.