Updated Travel Advice and Donation Guidelines during Covid-19 Outbreak
READ: The US department of State has schedules flights as early as April 1 for US citizens stuck in our countries
TRAVEL OUT OF THE UNITED STATES
The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to reconsider travel abroad at this time due to the global impact of COVID-19, and has issued a “Global Level 4 Health Advisory – Do Not Travel.” For those not in the U.S., the Department of States advises that they “consider returning to your country of residence immediately using whatever commercial means are available.”
If you or someone you know is currently stranded outside the U.S., please direct them to the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service allowing U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. STEP allows U.S. citizen travelers to receive immediate assistance and support from the relevant embassy or consulate in the event of an emergency, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information and to enroll, please visit the STEP website.
If you are considering flying, please contact your airlines to determine if there are any additional changes or restrictions implemented by airline carriers.
TRAVEL TO THE UNITED STATES
The U.S. has banned the entry of all foreign nationals who have been physically present in China, Iran, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK or Ireland 14 days before their arrival in the U.S.
These travel restrictions impact all foreign nationals with the exception of
U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (“green card holders”) or certain family members of U.S. citizens or green card holders:
Spouses of U.S. citizens or green card holders
Unmarried children of U.S. citizens or green card holders under the age of 21
Siblings of U.S. citizens or green card holders as long as both sibling and U.S. citizen or green card holder are unmarried and under the age of 21
Those who were physically present in the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau
Those who were physically present in any of the overseas territories of the United Kingdom outside of Europe, known as “British Overseas Territories”
American citizens, lawful permanent residents, and their immediate families who are arriving from impacted area must travel through one of 13 airports where DHS has established enhanced entry screening capabilities:
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
All those returning from the impacted area must self-quarantine for 14 days after their arrival.
From March 21 through April 20, travel into the U.S. across the Canada and Mexico borders is limited to “essential travel” only. “Essential travel” includes:
U.S. citizens and green card holders continue to be permitted to enter the U.S. for:
Travel for medical purposes
Travel to attend educational institutions
Traveling to work in the U.S.
Lawful cross-border trade
“Essential travel” does not include tourism, sightseeing, recreation, gambling, or cultural events.
For additional guidance, please visit U.S. Embassy and Consulate site.
VISA ISSUANCE
The Department of State is temporarily suspending routine visa services at all U.S. Embassies and Consulates. Embassies and consulates will cancel all routine immigrant and non-immigrant visa appointments as of March 20, 2020. Embassies and consulates will continue to provide emergency and mission critical visa services.
24 Hour Consular Emergency Line: U.S. 1.888.407.4747 / Outside the U.S. 1.202.501.4444
For additional guidance, please visit U.S. Embassy and Consulate site.
Thank you to CAIR-California for compiling this fact sheet!
CAIR-Chicago is working with our elected U.S. representatives to assist US citizens who may be stuck. Please follow ALL the steps below to get started.
Make sure that the individual stuck abroad has registered with the Department of State STEP program.
Find the Embassy website of the country that you (or your loved one) is trapped in and check for any additional resources & information.
Please fill out this form and CAIR-Chicago will contact the appropriate elected officials and federal agencies on your behalf.
If you have any questions or need additional assistance, please email CAIR-Chicago Deputy Director Sufyan Sohel at ssohel@cair.com
With the onset of COVID-19 in America, we're seeing a surge in hate crimes.
We need your help now more than ever.
Asian minorities all over the country are facing discrimination because of xenophobia and racism brought to the surface of American society because of Coronavirus. Lawmakers are even using the virus to justify the Travel Ban. That's why we still need your help in these trying times. While our most of our lives are seeing unprecedented disruption, know that hate isn't stopping.
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Consider donating to CAIR-Chicago today to receive your tax-deductible benefit! We depend on our community to continue providing our legal services and advocacy efforts to you at no cost and truly appreciate your support.