Coronavirus Updates: UK and Ireland Added to Travel Ban; US Consulates in India, Madrid, Paris and Dublin Cancel Visa Appointments

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UK and Ireland Added to Coronavirus Travel Ban

On Saturday, March 14, 2020, President Trump issued a proclamation extending the Coronavirus travel ban to include the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland starting Monday, March 16 at 11:59 PM EDT.  Foreign nationals will now be prohibited from entering the United States if they have been physically present in the UK or Ireland within 14 days before their attempted entry, with limited exceptions. These new restrictions will remain effective until terminated by the President. 

As was the case with the European Travel Ban that went into effect on Friday, March 13, 2020 and affected 26 Schengen Countries, the following travelers are not subject to the UK and Ireland travel ban, but may be required to undergo screening and other measures upon arrival:

  • U.S. citizens;

  • U.S. lawful permanent residents;

  • Spouses of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents;

  • A foreign national who is the parent or legal guardian of an unmarried U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident under the age of 21;

  • A foreign national who is the sibling of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, provided they are both under 21;

  • A foreign national who is the child, foster child or ward of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, or who is a prospective adoptee seeking to enter the United States on an IR-4 or IH-4 visa;

  • A foreign national traveling at the invitation of the U.S. government for a purpose related to containment or mitigation of the COVID-19 virus;

  • A foreign air or sea crewmember;

  • Certain A, C, E-1 (TECRO or TECO), G, and NATO nonimmigrants;

  • A foreign national whose entry would not pose a risk of transmitting the virus as determined by the CDC;

  • A foreign national whose entry would further important U.S. law enforcement objectives;

  • A foreign national whose entry would be in the national interest; and

  • Members of the U.S. armed forces and their spouses and children.

New Travel Procedures

The Department of Homeland Security has also announced new arrival requirements for U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents and foreign nationals exempt from the existing Coronavirus travel bans who enter the United Stated within 14 days of physical presence in China, Iran, or the European Schengen countries. (This announcement was issued before UK and Ireland was added to the Coronanavirus travel ban list, however, we expect these new travel procedures will apply to UK and Ireland travelers as well). These travelers will now be directed to one of the following 13 US airports equipped for Coronavirus screening:

  • 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

Travelers should anticipate being asked about their medical history, their current physical condition, and for their contact information to be shared with local health agencies. Travelers will also be directed to home-quarantine immediately in accordance with CDC guidelines.

Visa Appointment Cancellations at US Consulates

Due to the Coronavirus, several US Consulates have announced that beginning Monday, March 16, 2020, they are cancelling nonimmigrant and immigrant visa appointments until further notice.

As of today, US Consulates in the following countries have announced visa appointment cancellations and/or limited visa services:

In the coming days, we expect US Consulates in additional countries will announce visa appointment cancellations and other limitations of consular services. If you have an upcoming U.S. visa appointment, you should monitor the Consulate’s website for the latest information on the status of consular services during the Coronavirus response. Links to consular websites can be found at http://usembassy.gov.

Visa applicants will be able to reschedule appointments once Consulates resume normal operations.

Global Travel Restrictions Related to Coronavirus

The United States is not the only country in the world that has issued Coronavirus-related travel restrictions that limit or prohibit the entry of individuals into their country. Many of these countries have also implemented mandatory Coronavirus testing and/or quarantine requirements for individuals that are permitted to enter.

Coronavirus Questions?

If you have any questions about the impact of Coronavirus on your immigration situation, please contact your Ellis Porter immigration professional. We will continue to closely monitor all travel restrictions and any other immigration impacts related to Coronavirus and issue follow-up alerts as necessary.