Coronavirus – An Update on Travel Impacts
By Susan J. Cohen and Molly P O'Shea
As previously reported by Mintz, President Trump issued a proclamation that temporarily suspends the entry of certain individuals who have been physically present in China.
Since that time, there have been further limitations on travel to the United States for individuals who have been physically present in China:
U.S. Department of State:
On February 1, 2020, the U.S. Department of State increased the travel advisory for China to a Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
U.S. Consulate in Hong Kong:
On February 7, 2020, the U.S. Consulate General for Hong Kong and Macau’s American Citizen Services issued a notice stating that any individuals with pending consular appointments who (1) were physically present within China (excluding the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau) within the last 14 days, (2) are experiencing flu-like symptoms, or (3) believe they may have been exposed to the novel coronavirus, are “strongly encouraged to postpone their appointments by at least 14 days.”
Further, the U.S. Consulates in Hong Kong and Macau recommend that anyone who resides in China, has traveled to China recently, or intends to travel to China prior to their planned trip to the United States, postpone their visa interview appointment until 14 days subsequent to their departure from China.
As of February 10, 2020, regular visa services at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing and the U.S. Consulates General in Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Shenyang are suspended due to the rapid spread of the coronavirus. Although Mission China indicated that some emergency appointments may be available, the Mission cautions intending applicants that on February 2, 2020, the Trump Administration issued a Presidential Proclamation suspending entry for individuals who have been in China less than 14 days prior to their arrival in the United States. There is no indication of when regular visa services at these sites will resume.
This situation continues to evolve and Mintz will continue to provide updates as they become available.
