Coronavirus Travel Restrictions

On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the Coronavirus  a global public health emergency and the U.S. State Department issued an advisory not to travel to China.

On January 31, 2020, the President signed a Proclamation imposing travel restrictions for certain travelers who are visiting or have visited China within a designated period, effective 5:00 PM EST on February 2, 2020.   U.S. Embassies and Consulates in China have since been closed to the public through at least February 7, 2020.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR EMPLOYERS AND FOREIGN NATIONALS

The Proclamation bans entry to the U.S. by foreign nationals who are currently visiting (or who have recently visited) China within 14-days prior to their attempted entry to the U.S.

• Individuals currently abroad who have recently visited China (or who are currently in China) and are subject to the travel restriction should consider travel plans prior to  returning to the U.S.   This may include traveling through a third country without similar restrictions and remaining there for at least 14 days before entering the U.S.  Travelers attempting to transit through the U.S. to a third country should also be aware that they may be subject to the restriction and/or quarantine.
• There is currently no set termination date for the travel restrictions. The restrictions will be reviewed every 15 days with the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
• Foreign nationals with visa applications currently processing in China should monitor the U.S. Embassy website for updates on Embassy/Consulate re-openings. Emergency services for U.S. citizens are still currently available at U.S. Embassies and Consulates in China.

 EXEMPTIONS UNDER TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

 The following individuals are exempt from the travel restrictions and may still be able to travel to the U.S. However, note that these travelers may still be subject to quarantine and/or screening procedures as indicated below:

• U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs or green card holders).*
• Immediate family members of U.S. citizens and LPRs, including spouses and children.*
• Parents, legal guardians, and siblings of minor unmarried U.S. citizens or LPRs.*
• The Proclamation only applies to individuals visiting or present in the People’s Republic of China. Visitors to Taiwan, Hong Kong, or Macau are not currently travel restricted and are not subject to related quarantine/screening procedures.

*Travelers who are exempt from the travel restriction are still subject to U.S. Department of Homeland Security screening and quarantine and will be routed through designated U.S. major airports. Note that ALL travelers, including American nationals, who have visited China’s Hubei province within 14 days of their return are subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine upon entry to the U.S.  Travelers who have visited other areas of mainland China within 14 days of entry to the U.S. are subject to a health screening and quarantine if symptomatic.

For more information on this evolving issue, please contact your designated Gibney representative or email info@gibney.com.