03/19/2020
The U.S. State Department today, March 19, announced a Level 4 travel advisory applying to all international travel and instructing all Americans abroad to either return to the United States or prepare to “remain abroad for an indefinite period,” given the global threat of the coronavirus outbreak. The Level 4, “Do Not Travel,” is the most severe warning.
Those currently abroad should attempt to depart by commercial means. Travel advisors should proactively attempt contact with clients to assist them in arranging return travel. Although airlines have cancelled many international flights, options are still available. Several cruise operators have suspended operations or cancelled trips. If your clients choose to travel internationally, their travel plans may be severely disrupted, and they may be forced to remain outside of the United States for an indefinite timeframe. The State Department says: “U.S. citizens who live abroad should avoid all international travel.”
U.S. citizens who remain abroad should follow the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health authorities’ guidance for prevention, signs and symptoms, and treatment for COVID-19. U.S. citizens remaining abroad should shelter in place as much as possible and limit contact with others, including large gatherings. Consider stocking up on food and other supplies to limit movement outside the home. If the situation deteriorates further, the ability of the U.S. Embassy to provide assistance to U.S. nationals abroad may be limited, depending on country.
Passport Services Limited
Also today, the State Department issued notice that it is limiting issuance of passports. It says:
Due to public health measures to limit the spread of COVID-19, effective March 20, 2020, we are only able to offer service for customers with a qualified life-or-death emergency and who need a passport for immediate international travel within 72 hours.
Life-or-death emergencies are serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths in your immediate family (e.g. parent, child, spouse, sibling, aunt, uncle, etc) that require you to travel outside the United States within 72 hours (3 days).