The US Embassy in Mexico along with the DHS, the CDC, CBP and other US authorities have posted a COVID 19 update on December 11, 2020 for all travelers to and from the USA

Here some of the important points to consider when traveling.

Yes

    • The United States and Mexico entered a joint initiative March 21 restricting non-essential travel along the U.S.-Mexico land border to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.  Non-essential travel includes travel that is considered tourism or recreational in nature.  The restrictions are in place until at least January 21, 2021.  Please see the Embassy’s fact sheet for more information.
    • Travelers entering Mexico by land from the United States may be denied admission if the purpose of their visit is considered non-essential.  Travelers should carry evidence of the essential nature of their visit and evidence of their resident status in Mexico, if applicable

Yes

    • Passengers and aircrew members arriving at Mexican airports may be subject to health screenings including temperature checks.  Those exhibiting symptoms may be subject to additional health screening and/or quarantine.
    • Travelers entering Mexico via land may be subject to health screen including temperature checks.  Travelers may experience significant delays and face the possibility of being returned to the United States or quarantined in Mexico.

Mexican Immigration (INM) continues to provide law enforcement and public counter services across Mexico.  However, due to reduced staffing, members of the public might experience long wait times for routine services.  INM recommends monitoring its website and Twitter account for information about its current operating status

Yes, some restrictions apply  

Curfews are not universal.  Restrictions vary based on state and/or city.

    • The Mexican government encourages people to continue respecting social distancing measures, washing their hands, and coughing or sneezing in the inner part of the elbow to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  A variety of prevention measures can be found at https://coronavirus.gob.mx
  • For U.S. citizens who have participated in higher risk activities or think that they may have been exposed before or during a trip, the CDC encourages people to take the following extra precautions to protect others for 14 days after arrival:
  • Stay home as much as possible.
  • Avoid staying around people at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
  • Consider getting tested for COVID-19.
  • In the United States, quarantine requirements and recommendations may vary by state.  Therefore, travelers should review an individual state’s entry requirements before traveling.

Yes, but some travelers have reported cancelled flights and other problems.

Yes but some states and municipalities have implemented additional transportation restrictions.

Consequences for non-compliance are not universal.  Restrictions vary based on state and/or city.

  • On June 1, the Mexican government began easing nationwide restrictions and started phasing in non-essential economic activities in some states and municipalities using a national “stoplight” system.  The four metrics to determine the colors in the Mexican government’s stoplight system are the trend in numbers of new cases; hospital occupancy trends; current hospital occupancy rates; and percentage of positive cases.  If one indicator is red, the whole state will be designated red.  Schools in Mexico are closed.
  • Three states  are designated “red” under the federal stoplight system between December 21  and January 3(Baja California, Mexico City, and Mexico State).  Under red, only essential activities are allowed.  Essential activities include:  the provision of medical services and supplies, grocery delivery services, operation of grocery stores, restaurant delivery and carryout services, assurance of public safety, maintenance of fundamental economic functions and government social programs, work in critical infrastructure, construction, and manufacturing of transportation equipment.  Hotels are limited to 25 percent occupancy for guests working on critical activities.  Parks are also limited to 25 percent occupancy.
  • Twenty-four states are designated “orange” under the federal system between  December 21 and January 3 (Aguascalientes, Baja California Sur, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Colima, Durango, Guerrero, Guanajuato, Hidalgo, Jalisco, , Michoacán, Morelos, Nayarit, Nuevo León, Oaxaca, Puebla, Quintana Roo, Querétaro, San Luis Potosí,  Sonora, Tabasco, Tlaxcala  Yucatán, and Zacatecas).  Under orange, hotels, restaurants, barber shops, open-air parks, and gyms are limited to 50 percent capacity.  Markets and supermarkets will operate at 75 percent capacity. Additionally, shopping malls, churches, cinemas, theaters, museums, and cultural events will be limited to 25 percent capacity.
  • Three states are designated “yellow” under the federal stoplight system between December 21 and January 3 (Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Veracruz ).  Under yellow, all work activities are permitted.  Public space may open on a regular basis, while enclosed public spaces can open with reduced capacity.  All activities should be carried out with basic prevention measures.  People at higher risk of developing COVID-19 symptoms should continue to take extra precautions.
  •  Two states are  designated “green” under the federal stoplight system between December 21 and January 3 (Campeche, and Chiapas).  Under green, all economic and social activities, including school, are permitted while taking appropriate precautions.
  • All individuals should practice good hygiene such as frequent hand washing and social distancing.  Those not involved in essential activities should self-isolate at home.  People over age 60 or with high risk medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, compromised immune system, pregnant, or postpartum should self-isolate at home.
  • All electoral processes, censuses, and surveys are postponed until further notice.  On March 26, the Mexican government suspended all but its essential activities.  Individual agency heads designated the activities and personnel deemed essential.
  • Hotel guests in some areas may be subject to occupancy limits or asked to provide an employer letter certifying the essential nature of their business.  Hotel guests showing respiratory symptoms will be referred to health authorities.  As a reminder, the U.S. government does not pay for lodging or other expenses incurred due to travel disruptions abroad.

Some states and municipalities have implemented additional restrictions on public gatherings, transportation, business operations, and government operations if health conditions warrant and/or developed separate stoplight systems from those at the federal level.  Several states and municipalities have imposed curfews and movement restrictions on non-essential activities and have required citizens to wear masks when outside the home.  In some areas, officials may issue fines and/or arrest and detain individuals found to be in violation of stay at home orders.  Please see additional information on these restrictions and links to state COVID-19 websites in the “Local Resources” section below.  This information is not comprehensive and is subject to change without notice.  Please confirm directly with the government and other trusted sources for more information on closures and restrictions in different Mexican states and municipalities.

COVID-19 Testing in Mexico:

  • The symptoms of COVID-19 (such as fever, cough, headaches, throat pain, or constant sneezing) are very similar to other respiratory diseases.  If you have mild symptoms, call your usual health care provider or the Mexican government’s hotline at 800 0044 800 or 55 5658 1111 in order to receive advice to determine whether to stay home or seek medical attention.  If you or someone in your family has difficulty breathing, please go to the emergency room or call 911 immediately.
  • Individuals who were in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 and present symptoms of respiratory illness should follow the instructions above.  It is advisable to remain in quarantine for 14 days to prevent spreading the disease to other people.
  • If you are experiencing fear, anxiety, or emotional isolation, please call the Mexican government’s hotline at 800 911 2000 for advice and support.

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Restrictions and conditions in Baja

As for today December 29th 2020 these are the restrictions and conditions in the Baja California Peninsula according to the US Embassy COVID 19 information webpage 

Check CBP BORDER WAIT TIMES

http://www.bajacalifornia.gob.mx/coronavirus

Schools are closed and public gatherings prohibited, including church services. It is recommended to wear masks in public and limit travel and commercial activity to essential functions only. Public beaches are closed. Baja California is red in the national stoplight system. Restaurants may open with 30 percent of normal seating capacity, following strict sanitary guidelines. Hotels may operate at a maximum of 25 percent occupancy.

  • Mexicali: Authorities are conducting health inspections at the border ports of entry. Travelers must present proof of residence or essential activity. Travel by car is restricted to 2 persons per car and face coverings are mandatory. These new regulations are being enforced rigorously on weekends (Friday-Sunday) and randomly at other times of the week. Traffic jams have extended miles to the north of Calexico at times, with waits to cross the border into Mexico taking up to 7 hours. Beer found in a traveler’s vehicle that is in excess of the standard “allowance” (about 2 six packs) will be confiscated by the authorities. Penalties for violations may be imposed up to $17,376 MXN or up to 36 hours arrest in event of resistance.

 

  • San Felipe: Travelers may encounter inspection filters entering San Felipe, where authorities request proof of their address or nationality. Travelers may be required to quarantine themselves at their homes.

 

  • Rosarito: Beaches have reopened from 6-10 a.m. only for outdoor activities like walking, jogging, swimming, and surfing. Physical distance of at least 2 meters must be maintained and masks are required in public.

 

  • Ensenada: Obligatory use of face masks in public spaces, businesses and government buildings, and additional health screenings. Alcoholic beverages may only be sold until 8:59 p.m. Public and recreational spaces, including beaches, are still closed. The curfew from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. is still in effect.

 

  • Bahía de los Angeles: Curfew in place from 8 p.m. – 7 a.m.

http://saludbcs.gob.mx/ 

The government has determined that the state is in the orange on the federal stoplight system.  Obligatory use of masks remains for public places, businesses, and government buildings. Additional health screenings are being implemented, especially in businesses and airports. By State decree, hotels, restaurants, and beaches are only allowed to operate at a maximum 30 percent capacity.  The decree noted that individuals who fail to comply may be subject to fines or community service and that repeat offenders will be criminally charged.  Public gatherings are prohibited.  The decree defines essential activities for citizens as the following: to purchase/obtain food and essential items; to visit hospitals and establishments to receive health services; to work in essential activities; to return home; to care for elderly, disabled, or children; to move to and from financial or insurance establishments; and to deliver donations of food and “first necessity items” to public and private NGOs for distribution to underprivileged families.  Vehicles on public roads may only have the driver aboard.   Officials may issue fines and/or arrest and detain individuals found to be in violation of stay at home orders.

    • La Paz: Traffic is limited by a 10 p.m. curfew and is limited to essential nature only before curfew, with single occupancy only in cars unless required. Traffic restrictions will be imposed to reduce traffic by 50 percent. Nine health checkpoints have been established in the city and seven in outlying districts to strengthen the health cordon. Fines will be assessed for vehicular use, parties, or violations of curfew. Alcohol sales are permitted until 6 p.m. daily and violators will be prosecuted. Anyone in public must wear a mask, irrespective of activity. The city plans to publish a list of non-essential businesses. Beaches are closed.
    • Los Cabos:  Physical distance of at least two meters is obligatory in public places. Beaches are open for swimming, jogging, and walking from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.  The San Jose International Airport Terminal 2 has reopened and the airport is fully operational.
    • Loreto:  Physical distance of at least two meters is obligatory in public places. Beaches are open.

Other cities in Mexico

https://www.salud.cdmx.gob.mx/ 

The government assesses Mexico City is red on the stoplight system and began reopening on June 29. Effective June 15, Mexico City reduced the Hoy no circula program that prevents unnecessary vehicular movement during the COVID-19 pandemic. Vehicles with a 0 and 00 hologram, and electric and hybrid vehicles are now exempt from the program. The program does not apply to public transportation, emergency services, and funeral services, as well as vehicles with disability plates. If your car has a hologram, you should consult the Hoy no circula program web page to confirm which day you may not drive your car during the COVID-19 pandemic. Restrictions apply from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Public transportation is operating at a reduced capacity. As of June 1, the use of face coverings/masks in public areas and respiratory etiquette (i.e., covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, no spitting in the street) is obligatory. Officials may issue fines and/or arrest and detain COVID-positive individuals found to be in violation of stay at home orders. The government also suggests that people maintain 1.5 meters distance from others, refrain from physical contact during greetings, avoid wearing jewelry or ties, and be clean shaven. Authorities added functionality to Mexico City’s official app – available for iOS and Android users – that provides an interactive map showing the closest COVID-19 hospital and if beds are available. Additionally, the app allows users to complete a questionnaire to find out if they may have COVID-19.

Since December 14, Mexico City’s historic district (centro histórico) has implemented the following rules:

  • Non-essential stores and businesses will close at 5:00 p.m.5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday
  • Street vendors in public areas will stop operating at 4:00 p.m.
  • Sanitary measures will be enforced, such as face masks and frequent hand-washing
  • Entry and exit streets are designated to avoid large concentration of pedestrians in addition to hours restrictions. The entry streets are 5 de mayo, 16 de septiembre, Donceles, Justo Sierra, Belisario Domínguez, Isabel la Católica, Calle del Carmen, Calle Loreto, República de Venezuela, and República de Chile. To exit the historic district, pedestrians will use Allende, Francisco I. Madero, Venustiano Carranza, Tacuba, Belisario Domínguez, Simón Bolívar, 5 de febrero, Pino Suárez, Corregidora, República de Guatemala, Mesones, Leona Vicario, Moneda, Soledad, San Antonio Abad from Fray Servando, República de Argentina, and Correo Mayor. The only two-way pedestrian streets are 20 de noviembre and Belisario Domínguez.

From December 19, 2020, until January 10, 2021, all non-essential activities are prohibited. Those are the changes implemented :

  • Gyms, movie theaters, malls, worship temples, churches, bars, night clubs, museums, libraries will close.
  • Restaurants will operate only for take out and delivery
  • Parks and public squares will permit only 30% of capacity
  • Only one person per household will visit markets and open-air markets.
  • Salons will offer at home services.

Quintana Roo remains in the orange phase of the national stoplight system.  The use of face masks in public is mandatory.  Officials may issue fines or detain individuals found to be in violation of stay at home orders.  Transportation restrictions are as follows:  one person per motorcycle, four people per private vehicle, three people per taxi, and public transportation is operating at 50 percent capacity.  Beginning October 1, restaurants are permitted to sell alcohol daily from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.  Public schools started virtually in August and will resume in-person classes when the state is designated green in the national stoplight system.

Current Guidelines:

  • Maximum capacity under the yellow stoplight state system:
  • Administrative services to 75 percent.
  • Open air gyms and athletic clubs to 70 percent.
  • Indoor gyms to 50 percent.
  • Hotels, tourism, recreation, beaches and public parks, religious services, hair salons, malls, and cinemas to 60 percent.
  • Schools, bars, clubs, and nightlife activities remain closed.
  • Alcohol sales are permitted in convenience stores and supermarkets Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Restaurant hours: 10:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.

Quintana Roo remains in the orange phase of the national stoplight system.  The use of face masks in public is mandatory.  Officials may issue fines or detain individuals found to be in violation of stay at home orders.  Transportation restrictions are as follows:  one person per motorcycle, four people per private vehicle, three people per taxi, and public transportation is operating at 50 percent capacity.  Beginning October 1, restaurants are permitted to sell alcohol daily from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.  Public schools started virtually in August and will resume in-person classes when the state is designated green in the national stoplight system.

Current Guidelines:

  • Maximum capacity under the yellow stoplight state system:
  • Administrative services to 75 percent.
  • Open air gyms and athletic clubs to 70 percent.
  • Indoor gyms to 50 percent.
  • Hotels, tourism, recreation, beaches and public parks, religious services, hair salons, malls, and cinemas to 60 percent.
  • Schools, bars, clubs, and nightlife activities remain closed.
  • Alcohol sales are permitted in convenience stores and supermarkets Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Restaurant hours: 10:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.

Quintana Roo remains in the orange phase of the national stoplight system.  The use of face masks in public is mandatory.  Officials may issue fines or detain individuals found to be in violation of stay at home orders.  Transportation restrictions are as follows:  one person per motorcycle, four people per private vehicle, three people per taxi, and public transportation is operating at 50 percent capacity.  Beginning October 1, restaurants are permitted to sell alcohol daily from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.  Public schools started virtually in August and will resume in-person classes when the state is designated green in the national stoplight system.

Current Guidelines:

  • Maximum capacity under the yellow stoplight state system:
  • Administrative services to 75 percent.
  • Open air gyms and athletic clubs to 70 percent.
  • Indoor gyms to 50 percent.
  • Hotels, tourism, recreation, beaches and public parks, religious services, hair salons, malls, and cinemas to 60 percent.
  • Schools, bars, clubs, and nightlife activities remain closed.
  • Alcohol sales are permitted in convenience stores and supermarkets Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Restaurant hours: 10:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
    •  Effective September 7, Cozumel has in effect a nightly curfew from 8:00 p.m. to 05:00 a.m

Quintana Roo remains in the orange phase of the national stoplight system.  The use of face masks in public is mandatory.  Officials may issue fines or detain individuals found to be in violation of stay at home orders.  Transportation restrictions are as follows:  one person per motorcycle, four people per private vehicle, three people per taxi, and public transportation is operating at 50 percent capacity.  Beginning October 1, restaurants are permitted to sell alcohol daily from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.  Public schools started virtually in August and will resume in-person classes when the state is designated green in the national stoplight system.

Current Guidelines:

  • Maximum capacity under the yellow stoplight state system:
  • Administrative services to 75 percent.
  • Open air gyms and athletic clubs to 70 percent.
  • Indoor gyms to 50 percent.
  • Hotels, tourism, recreation, beaches and public parks, religious services, hair salons, malls, and cinemas to 60 percent.
  • Schools, bars, clubs, and nightlife activities remain closed.
  • Alcohol sales are permitted in convenience stores and supermarkets Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Restaurant hours: 10:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.

The guidelines shown here are what’s published in the US Embassy website, however, the reality in each one of these cities vary and differs in the practice as many of the touristic activities are open and curfews are not enforced by local government.

While long waits on the border line have been reported, little to no issues has been reported by travelers when crossing the US/Mexico border by car nor when flying commercial into any of the main international airports in Mexico

For other cities please visit https://mx.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-information/ 

These US/Mexico border restrictions are valid until January 21st, 2021or further notice

According to the Department of Homeland Security, essential travel through land ports of entry and ferry terminals includes, but is not limited to:

  • U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents returning to the United States;
  • Individuals traveling for medical purposes (e.g., to receive medical treatment in the United States);
  • Individuals traveling to attend educational institutions;
  • Individuals traveling to work in the United States (e.g., individuals working in the farming or agriculture industry who must travel between the United States and Mexico in furtherance of such work);
  • Individuals traveling for emergency response and public health purposes (e.g., government officials or emergency responders entering the United States to support Federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial government efforts to respond to COVID-19 or other emergencies);
  • Individuals engaged in lawful cross-border trade (e.g., truck drivers supporting the movement of cargo between the United States and Mexico);
  • Individuals engaged in official government travel or diplomatic travel;
  • Members of the U.S. Armed Forces, and the spouses and children of members of the U.S. Armed Forces, returning to the United States; and
  • Individuals engaged in military-related travel or operations.


The Department of Homeland Security defines non-essential travel as individuals traveling for tourism purposes (e.g., sightseeing, recreation, gambling, or attending cultural events)

I am an American citizen returning from Mexico. Will I be able to cross back into the United States?

Yes, American citizens returning to the US would be considered essential travel according to the Department of Homeland Security.

Remember that it’s very likely to experience longer border waits when crossing back into the US. The US CBP has fewer lanes open for crossing and  more vehicle secondary inspections.

The Mexican Instituto Nacional de Migración, states that travelers entering Mexico can be subject to:

  • Temperature check using laser thermometers
  • Declaration of  state of health and previous history of countries to which you have recently traveled within at least a year
Semaforo COVID (Mexico’s Color code system)

The colors are as follows:

  • Red – Maximum Alert: Only essential activities are allowed. Essential activities include mining, construction, and auto manufacturing.
  • Orange – High Alert: Essential activities are allowed and restricted non essential activities are allowed. Vulnerable workers require maximum precautions.
  • Yellow – Intermediate: All economic activities are allowed and limited activities in public spaces.
  • Green – Normal Daily Activities: Resumption of scholastic, social, and leisure activities

To check out Mexico’s interactive map, click here.

COVID 19 UPDATE Border restrictions are currently in place until January 21st, 2021 1COVID 19 UPDATE Border restrictions are currently in place until January 21st, 2021 2

Local Resources:

  • Call the Mexican Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 hotline at 800 0044 800 for information or medical attention. English language operators are sometimes, but not always, available.
  • Local telephone numbers for COVID-19 assistance in each state are available here: https://coronavirus.gob.mx/contacto/
  • U.S. citizens in Mexico with questions about Mexican immigration policies should contact local immigration authorities for information.
  • Refer to the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19MX app that provides Spanish-language information about COVID-19 and local health care resources. It includes contact information for health care providers, an interactive diagnostic tool that analyzes reported symptoms and advises whether or not to seek medical care, the location of the nearest health care facility, the latest news related to COVID-19, and advice on how to prevent the spread of the disease. The app is available via the Mexican iOS and Android stores.
  • Information about state and municipal level responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, and links to the official state COVID-19 websites are below. Please note that the situation is rapidly changing and that the information provided here about local and state restrictions is subject to change without notice and may not be comprehensive.

US citizens assistance:

  • For Emergency Assistance for U.S. citizens in Mexico, call (55) 8526 2561 from Mexico or 1-844-528-6611 from the United States.
  • The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City is located at:
  • Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtémoc, 06500, Ciudad de México, Phone:  +52-55-5080-2000, Fax:  +52-55-5080-2005, E-Mail:  ACSMexicoCity@state.gov
  • State Department – Consular Affairs:  888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
  • Follow the U.S. Embassy in Mexico on Facebook and Twitter.
  • Review the Crime and Safety Reports for Mexico.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
Travel restrictions to the USA

DHS Notice of Arrival Restrictions on China, Iran and Certain Countries of Europe

  • American citizens, legal permanent residents, and their immediate families who are arriving from impacted areas must travel through one of 13 airports where DHS has established enhanced entry screening capabilities.
  • All American citizens, legal permanent residents, and their immediate families who are returning from the impacted area must self-quarantine for 14 days after their arrival.
  • For more information on the coronavirus, please visit Coronavirus.gov

In furtherance of Presidential Proclamations 9984, 9992, 9993, and 9994, which bans the entry of non-U.S. citizens who are from or recently been in China, Iran, or certain European countries, the Department of Homeland Security issued a Notice of Arrival Restrictions requiring American citizens, legal permanent residents, and their immediate families who are returning home to the U.S. to travel through one of 13 airports upon arrival to the U.S., submit to an enhanced entry screening and self-quarantine for 14 days once they reach their final destination.

Airports to arrive to the USA if traveling from any of the restricted countries

Effective for flights taking off at 11:59 PM EDT on Friday, March 13th, Americans returning from all restricted countries will now be required to travel through the following 13 airports:

  • 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

Upon arrival, travelers will proceed to standard customs processing. They will then continue to enhance entry screening where the passenger will be asked about their medical history, current condition, and asked for contact information for local health authorities. Passengers will then be given written guidance about COVID-19 and directed to proceed to their final destination, and immediately home-quarantine in accordance with CDC best practices.

“While the overall risk of serious infection from the coronavirus to the general public remains low at this time, the Trump administration is taking these aggressive measures to keep the risk low, requiring all Americans returning from affected areas in Europe to be funneled through 13 airports for screening upon their return to the U.S.,” said Acting Secretary Wolf. “To minimize disruptions to travelers, TSA, CBP, and air carriers are working to identify qualifying passengers before their scheduled flights. These passengers will be rerouted to one of the 13 airports by their airline at no cost to them.”

Wolf continued: “I understand this new process will be disruptive to some travelers, however this action is needed to protect the general public from further exposure and spread of the coronavirus. Once back in the U.S. it is imperative that individuals honor self-quarantine directives to help protect their loved-ones and communities.”

President Trump determined that the potential for widespread transmission of the coronavirus by infected individuals seeking to enter the United States threatens the security of the homeland.  Therefore, the Department is taking action in furtherance of the public health interests advanced by the March 11thpresidential proclamation which suspends entry to nearly all foreign nationals who have been in certain European countries, China and Iran at any point during the 14 days prior to their scheduled travel to the U.S.

Suspended entry of foreign nationals from China, Iran and these European countries, known as the Schengen Area:

  • 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
  • Switzerland. 

This Presidential Proclamation does not apply to U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, nor their family members under the age of 21, and other individuals who are identified in the proclamation. Nor does it apply to cargo and economic shipping.

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