In an unprecedented move, the US Department of State late yesterday afternoon raised its Global Health Advisory for COVID-19 from Level 3: Reconsider Travel to the highest level - Level 4: Do Not Travel.
Quoting from the Advisory:
"The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. In countries where commercial departure options remain available, U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period. U.S. citizens who live abroad should avoid all international travel. Many countries are experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks and implementing travel restrictions and mandatory quarantines, closing borders, and prohibiting non-citizens from entry with little advance notice. Airlines have cancelled many international flights and several cruise operators have suspended operations or cancelled trips. If you choose to travel internationally, your travel plans may be severely disrupted, and you may be forced to remain outside of the United States for an indefinite timeframe...
"Have a travel plan that does not rely on the U.S. Government for assistance."
That says it all:
- If you're planning to travel out of the US, don't.
- If you're already in a foreign country, come back right now while - or if - you still can, or risk being stranded abroad for an extended period of time.
- Demand for flights into the US exceeds available supply.
- Don't assume you will be able to get assistance from US Embassies or Consulates.
Americans living abroad should stay where they are and not attempt to cross any international border.
US passport agencies are only accepting applications from individuals with life-or-death emergencies who plan to travel within 72 hours.
