Current Outbreak of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Disease
The Department of State has no greater responsibility than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas, including providing information to help U.S. citizens make informed decisions about traveling abroad.
The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to reconsider travel abroad at this time due to the global impact of COVID-19. Many areas throughout the world are now experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks and taking action that may limit traveler mobility, including quarantines and border restrictions. Even countries, jurisdictions, or areas where cases have not been reported may restrict travel without notice.
For the latest information regarding COVID-19, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website.
Keeping workplaces, homes, schools, or commercial establishments safe.
Due to the current public health situation, many countries have begun implementing strict screening procedures in order to prevent the spread of the COVID-19. See a list of embassy websites for country-specific COVID-19 information
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization determined the COVID-19 outbreak constitutes a pandemic.
Presidential Proclamations Regarding Novel Coronavirus
- On January 31 President Trump signed a proclamation barring entry to the United States of most foreign nationals who traveled to China within the past 14 days. Read the full text of the proclamation here.
- On February 29, President Trump signed a proclamation that expanded restrictions to include all aliens who were physically present within the Islamic Republic of Iran during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States. Read the full text of the proclamation here.
- On March 11, President Trump signed a proclamation that restricts travel to the United States from foreign nationals who have recently been in certain European countries. This does not apply to U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. Read the full text of the proclamation here.
- On March 14, President Trump signed a proclamation that restricts travel to the United States from foreign nationals who have recently been in the United Kingdom and Ireland. This does not apply to U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. Read the full text of the proclamation here.
U.S. Citizens Returning from Europe
U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents will be permitted to return from the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the European Schengen area. The Department of Homeland Security has issued instructions requiring U.S. passengers that have been in the United Kingdom, Ireland and the Schengen area to travel through select airports where the U.S. Government has implemented enhanced screening procedures. See the DHS website for further details.
U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents will be permitted to return from the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the European Schengen area. The Department of Homeland Security has issued instructions requiring U.S. passengers that have been in the United Kingdom, Ireland and the Schengen area to travel through select airports where the U.S. Government has implemented enhanced screening procedures. See the our FAQs on the Presidential Proclamation on travel from Europe and DHS website for further details.
The Schengen area encompasses the following 26 European countries: 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.
Please see our U.S. Travelers in Europe page for additional information on travel from the Schengen area.
U.S. Students Abroad
The CDC recommends institutes of higher education (IHE) consider postponing or canceling upcoming student foreign exchange programs. In addition, CDC recommends IHE consider asking current program participants to return to their home country. Students abroad may face unpredictable circumstances, travel restrictions, and challenges in returning home or accessing health care while abroad.
For more information, please visit: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/covid-19-information.html
