On March 14, 2020, the Trump administration extended the current travel ban to include Ireland and the United Kingdom, in addition to China, Iran, and the previously announced Schengen area countries. The proclamation takes effect at 11:59 pm EDT on Monday, March 16, 2020. This travel ban will similarly not apply to US citizens, US permanent residents, and others included on the list below.

All individuals allowed to return to the United States (i.e., those listed below) will be routed through one of 13 US airports for screening:

• 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, and after standard customs processing, travelers will continue to an enhanced entry screening where the passenger will be asked about their travel history, medical history, current condition, and asked for contact information for local health authorities. Additionally, some passengers will have their temperature taken. Passengers will be given written guidance about COVID-19 and be allowed to proceed to their final destination.

Once home, individuals must immediately self-quarantine in their home and monitor their health in accordance with CDC best practices.

Previously, on March 11, 2020, President Trump issued a proclamation that generally prohibits foreign nationals from entering the United States if they have been physically present in the Schengen Area of Europe within 14 days before their attempted entry. The proclamation takes effect at 11:59 pm EDT on Friday, March 13, 2020, and will remain in effect for 30 days or until terminated by the President.

To be clear, the Proclamation suspends the entry of most foreign nationals who have been in certain European countries at any point during the 14 days prior to their scheduled arrival to the United States. In other words, a traveler from a non-Schengen country can still be blocked from entering the United States if that person has been in a Schengen country at any point during the 14 days prior to their scheduled arrival to the United States.

The Schengen Area comprises the following countries: 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, and Switzerland.

Travelers who have been present in the Schengen Area will be permitted to enter the United States if they are on flights that depart before 11:59 pm EDT on March 13.

The following travelers are not subject to the ban, but may be required to undergo additional screening and other measures upon arrival:

• US citizens;
• US lawful permanent residents;
• Spouses of US citizens and lawful permanent residents;
• A foreign national who is the parent or legal guardian of an unmarried US citizen or lawful permanent resident under the age of 21;
• A foreign national who is the sibling of a US citizen or lawful permanent resident, provided they are both under 21;
• A foreign national who is the child, foster child or ward of a US citizen or lawful permanent resident, or who is a prospective adoptee seeking to enter the United States on an IR-4 or IH-4 visa;
• A foreign national traveling at the invitation of the US government for a purpose related to containment or mitigation of the COVID-19 virus;
• A foreign air or sea crewmember;
• Certain A, C, E-1 (TECRO or TECO), G, and NATO nonimmigrants;
• A foreign national whose entry would not pose a risk of transmitting the virus as determined by the CDC;
• A foreign national whose entry would further important US law enforcement objectives;
• A foreign national whose entry would be in the national interest; and
• Members of the US armed forces and their spouses and children.

Because there is limited time remaining before the travel restrictions take effect, please immediately identify any employees who are affected by the ban and contact your Dentons attorney to discuss his/her situation and options. In some cases, it might be necessary to try to make urgent arrangements to attempt immediate return travel back to the United States.

We expect a further announcement/restriction requiring US passengers that have been in the Schengen Area, but who are not subject to the ban, to travel through select airports where the U.S. government has implemented enhanced screening procedures.

We also expect the relevant government agencies (including the US Department of State and US Department of Homeland Security), to issue more information later today about the new travel ban, and we will issue new bulletins/updates as soon as possible.

In the meantime, additional information may be available at the following links:

• Homeland Security
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• US Citizenship and Immigration Services
• US Citizenship and Immigration Services - Special Situations