WORLDWIDE
Novel
Coronavirus Outbreak
Imported cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been confirmed in
several countries. This new coronavirus can cause symptoms of fever, cough, and
shortness of breath. Travelers in affected locations are advised to pay
attention to general hygiene and avoid direct contact with people who are sick.
Anyone with symptoms of pneumonia, which include high fever and shortness of
breath, should seek medical attention.
Authorities in several countries have introduced travel restrictions and health
screening measures at various airports amid the COVID-19 outbreak. While
measures initially applied primarily to travelers arriving either directly or
indirectly from China, some countries have now extended restrictions to
travelers from Iran, Iraq, Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and
countries in the Schengen Area of Europe. Meanwhile, some airlines have
temporarily suspended flight operations. Travelers should anticipate related
disruption at airports and reconfirm their itineraries, as well as the overall
feasibility of their journeys, given the increased restrictions.
For more information on confirmed cases of COVID-19 globally, refer to the
latest Situation Report on the World Health Organization (WHO) website by
clicking here. For more general
information on the outbreak and WHO’s response, click here.
AMERICAS
Regional
The first cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Argentina, Chile, the
Dominican Republic, and Ecuador. This new coronavirus can cause symptoms of
fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Travelers in affected locations are
advised to pay attention to general hygiene and avoid direct contact with
people who are obviously sick. Anyone with symptoms of pneumonia, which include
high fever and shortness of breath, should seek medical attention.
Several countries have introduced travel restrictions to contain the spread of
the COVID-19 outbreak. Health screening measures are in place at various ports
of entry across the Americas. While initially applying primarily to travelers
arriving directly or indirectly from China, some countries have extended
restrictions to travelers from other affected countries, including Iran, Italy,
Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and countries within the Schengen Area of
Europe. Some airlines have also suspended or reduced flights to and from
affected countries. Travelers should maintain flexible itineraries accounting
for disruption at airports. Passengers traveling from China or other countries
affected by the outbreak should anticipate more stringent scrutiny and
ascertain overall feasibility of travel prior to departure.
United
States
All travel from 26 European countries to the United States will be temporarily
halted for a period of 30 days, in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19.
The 30-day travel ban covers countries within Europe’s Schengen Area, and will
take effect on March 13 at 12:00 AM local time. Affected countries include
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. The United Kingdom is exempt from the new travel
restrictions. The measures will not apply to permanent legal US residents
or their immediate family members. US citizens returning from the European
Union will be required to return home to designated airports and undergo
heightened health screenings.
Travelers arriving to the US after traveling from or through China or Iran
should also expect heightened screening measures for COVID-19 and related
disruption. All flights from China are being re-routed through 11 airports,
while additional entry restrictions for travelers from China and Iran remain in
effect. The states of Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania have asked those
returning from travel to China, Iran, Italy, and South Korea to self-isolate
for 14 days.
Cases of the novel strain of coronavirus has been confirmed in people in the
United States. Cases have been detected in the states of Arizona, Arkansas,
California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Washington DC, Florida, Georgia,
Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland,
Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New
Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma,
Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee,
Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. California, New York
and Washington are the most impacted states, with over 100 confirmed cases
each. For more information on cases in the US, visit the US Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) website here. Health
authorities have implemented protocols for isolation, quarantine, testing, and
managing people who may have been exposed to the virus. To prevent infection,
travelers should pay attention to hygiene, wash hands frequently, avoid
touching their face, and avoid close contact with other people.
Argentina
Travelers should maintain flexible itineraries and expect enhanced health
screening at Buenos Aires’ Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) due to the
COVID-19 outbreak. Yesterday, the government suspended visa issuance to
travelers from the US, China, South Korea, Japan, Iran, the UK, and countries
in Europe’s Schengen Area. Flights coming from China, South Korea, Japan, Iran,
the US and all of Europe have also been suspended for 30 days. Travelers who
have been to Italy, China, France, Germany, Iran, Japan, Spain, the US or South
Korea in the past 14 days are required to undergo a mandatory 14-day
selfquarantine.
Brazil
On Sunday, March 15, travelers should plan journeys bypassing planned
pro-government demonstrations due to the risk of unrest. The gatherings are
scheduled to be held in all major urban centers and are likely to be well
attended. There is potential for disturbances involving pro- and anti-government
groups and security forces. Participants are due to gather at the National
Congress building in Brasilia and on Avenida Paulista in Sao Paulo. Main
squares, thoroughfares, and landmarks are likely venues for related
demonstrations elsewhere.
Canada
Cases of COVID-19, currently causing an outbreak have been confirmed in Canada.
Travelers to affected locations are advised to pay attention to general hygiene
and avoid direct contact with people who are obviously sick. Anyone with
symptoms of pneumonia, which include high fever and shortness of breath, who is
or has been in an affected location should seek medical attention.
Travelers should maintain flexible itineraries and expect heightened screening
measures in place for the COVID-19 disease and related disruption. Authorities
have implemented screening questions and health symptom checks for passengers
arriving at major airports, including Montreal-Trudeau (YUL), Toronto Pearson
(YYZ), and Vancouver (YVR) international airports. Travelers arriving from China
and Iran are required to undergo more stringent screening and requirements.
Major airlines have canceled flights between Canada and some countries affected
by COVID-19.
El
Salvador
Travelers should reconfirm itineraries and the overall feasibility of travel
due to restrictions linked to the COVID-19 outbreak. While there are currently
no confirmed cases in El Salvador, President Nayib Bukele announced several
measures aimed at preventing the import of the disease. A 30-day national
quarantine went into effect on March 11, prohibiting all foreign travelers
(with the exemption of permanent residents and diplomats) from entering the
country. All schools and universities have been suspended for 21 days, while
gatherings exceeding 500 people are banned through the end of the quarantine
period.
AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST
Regional
Authorities continue to impose health screening measures at airports along with
some travel restrictions linked to COVID-19. These have applied primarily to
travelers arriving from China, though some countries and airlines are also
implementing measures for those traveling to and from France, Germany, Iran,
Italy, South Korea, and Spain. Travelers should anticipate related disruption
at affected airports and reconfirm their itineraries.
Non-essential travel to Israel should be deferred through March 23, and travel
to the West Bank should be deferred through April 6, due to entry restrictions
and flight cancellations amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Israeli officials have announced
that travelers arriving from all foreign countries will be denied entry
beginning today unless they are able to self-quarantine for 14 days. The
Palestinian Authority imposed a 30-day State of Emergency on March 6, limiting
movement within the West Bank and banning all public gatherings. Bethlehem was
put on lockdown on March 5 due to a spike in COVID-19 cases.
Algeria
Travelers should anticipate and avoid further anti-government protests
organized by the grassroots “Hirak” movement due to the risk of local
disruption and unrest. Related gatherings on March 6 and 10 in Algiers,
Boumerdes, and other urban centers were attended by thousands. Police arrested
demonstrators and journalists and forcibly dispersed demonstrators on March 6.
An official ban on gatherings over fears of the COVID-19 outbreak is in place
through March 31; however, weekly student protests on Tuesdays and general
demonstrations on Fridays are expected to continue.
Bahrain
Today and tomorrow, travelers should avoid all gatherings linked to the ninth
anniversary of a regional military deployment to Bahrain. In 2011, the Gulf
Cooperation Council (GCC) sent its Peninsula Shield Force to the country at the
request of the government during unrest related to that year’s “Arab Spring”
uprisings. Opposition groups have called for protests today and tomorrow.
Although the gatherings are likely to be relatively small and confined to the
Shia Muslim neighborhoods on the outskirts of Manama, security forces may forcibly
disperse them, posing incidental risks to bystanders.
Iran
An outbreak of COVID-19 is underway in Iran. In response, several countries
have closed their land borders with Iran and suspended flights. COVID-19 can
cause symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Travelers are advised
to pay attention to general hygiene and avoid direct contact with people who
are sick. Anyone with symptoms of respiratory illness who may have been exposed
to COVID-19 should seek medical attention according to the local procedure. On
February 26, the US Department of State issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel
Advisory, stating that all non-essential travel to Iran be deferred due to an
outbreak of COVID-19.
Iraq
Yesterday, the Kurdistan Regional Government announced that all non-essential
overland movement between cities within Kurdistan Region (KR) and between the
KR and Federal Iraq will be subject to special approval of the Supreme
Committee for Coronavirus Response. The restrictions are due to be in place
tomorrow through March 28. Exceptions will be made for UN agencies, medical
professionals, diplomatic personnel, and security force personnel. Travelers
are reminded to follow all official directives and reconfirm the feasibility of
movement.
Kuwait
All travel to Kuwait should be deferred amid a significant reduction in inbound
and outbound travel options linked to the global COVID-19 outbreak. On March
11, authorities announced that all flights to and from Kuwait City’s Kuwait
International Airport (KWI), with the exception of cargo services, will be
canceled beginning today and until further notice. Inbound travel will be
limited to Kuwaiti Nationals and their immediate family members during this
time.
Mozambique
Today, travelers in Maputo are advised to avoid the vicinity of ongoing
disturbances in the downtown Baixa area. Informal street traders have clashed
with police officers attempting to enforce an official ban on their activities.
The protesting traders have barricaded roads and thrown projectiles at officers,
who have fired into the air to disperse the crowds.
Nigeria
Travelers in Lagos should anticipate significant disruption following the
closure of the Eko Bridge and plan journeys using alternative routes. The Lagos
State Government announced that the partial closure of the bridge is to allow
for rehabilitation works, as the bridge is currently deemed unsafe for
motorists. Alternative routes to reach Lagos Island include the Third Mainland
Bridge and the Carter Bridge. Travelers should account for increased traffic
congestion during the closure. The duration of the maintenance works is
currently unknown.
Oman
Travelers should reconfirm their itineraries and be prepared for short-notice
changes to entry restrictions linked to the COVID-19 outbreak. Yesterday,
authorities announced that the issuance of tourist visas will be suspended for
30 days beginning March 15. Travelers with valid business visas and residency
permits will be permitted to travel to the country during this time, though
some nationalities are restricted and additional documentation may be required
in order to gain entry.
Saudi Arabia
Non-essential travel to Saudi Arabia should be deferred to minimize
inconvenience following a reduction in inbound and outbound travel options. In
order to prevent the potential importation of COVID-19, authorities temporarily
suspended air and sea traffic between the kingdom and more than 20 countries.
All foreign nationals who have been in these countries in the 14 days prior to
arrival will be denied entry. Saudi Arabia’s land border crossings with
Bahrain, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates remain restricted to commercial
trucks only. There is no need for travelers and expatriates already in Saudi
Arabia to depart; however, travelers should monitor developments and remain
prepared for the possibility of a further reduction in outbound travel options.
ASIA & THE PACIFIC
Regional
Countries
continue to introduce more travel restrictions and health screening measures at
transportation hubs, including airports, seaports and border crossings, to
contain the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak. While stringent restrictions
initially applied to passengers arriving from mainland China, many countries
have expanded these measures to other locations with confirmed COVID-19 cases,
including Iran, Italy, and South Korea. Travelers should maintain flexible
itineraries and be prepared for short-notice changes to entry restrictions.
Travelers arriving from countries with confirmed cases of COVID-19 or who have
been to or transited through mainland China within 14 days of arrival at their
destination or place of transit should reconfirm the feasibility of travel.
The Hong Kong government has implemented restrictions amid the COVID-19
outbreak. Travelers should continue to reconfirm the overall feasibility of
travel to Hong Kong and plan journeys accounting for restrictions between Hong
Kong and the affected countries, including mainland China, Italy, Iran and
certain regions of France, Germany, Japan, South Korea and Spain. The Hong Kong
government has also closed most routes to mainland China.
Australia
Over 150 cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have been confirmed. This new
coronavirus can cause symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Health
authorities have implemented protocols for isolation, quarantine, testing, and
managing people who may have been exposed to the virus. To reduce the risk of
any respiratory infection, travelers should pay attention to general hygiene
and keep away from others.
China
Non-essential travel to mainland China, excluding Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan,
should be deferred due to strict quarantine measures in response to the
COVID-19 outbreak. All travel to Hubei Province should continue to be deferred
amid ongoing stringent restrictions. In-country restrictions vary, depending on
the county-level three-tier (low-mediumhigh) COVID-19 risk rating announced in
February and local authorities’ policies. Officials in Beijing and various
other cities have imposed additional measures, such as a quarantine
requirement, on travelers from countries with high numbers of confirmed
COVID-19 cases. On February 2, the US Department of State issued a Level 4: Do
Not Travel Advisory for China. Do not travel to China due to the novel
coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, China. On January 30, the World Health
Organization (WHO) determined the rapidly spreading outbreak constitutes a
Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Travelers should be
prepared for the possibility of travel restrictions with little or no advance
notice. Most commercial air carriers have reduced or suspended routes to and
from China.
French Polynesia
The first imported case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in French Polynesia.
This new coronavirus can cause symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of
breath. Although transmission from human-to-human has occurred in other
countries, there is no suggestion at this stage of any further spread in French
Polynesia. Travelers in affected locations are advised to pay attention to
general hygiene and avoid direct contact with people who are sick. Anyone with
symptoms of pneumonia, which include high fever and shortness of breath, should
seek medical attention.
Today through March 31, all passengers, including airline crew, traveling to or
transiting through French Polynesia must present a medical certificate or
doctor’s certificate, dated within 5 days of departure and certifying the
travelers’ state of health is free of any clinical sign of detectable
infection.
India
India has imposed further visa restrictions and quarantine orders to contain
the spread of the COVID-19 disease. Authorities have announced that most
existing visas will be suspended from 5:30 PM local time today through April
15, with the exception of visas issued to diplomats, officials, UN and other
international organizations, as well as employment and project visas. Visa-free
travel granted to Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cardholders will be
suspended for the same period. The government has advised that travelers
affected by the aforementioned restrictions and with a “compelling reason” to
visit India should contact their nearest Indian Diplomatic Mission.
Japan
Non-essential travel to Hokkaido should be deferred due to the COVID-19
outbreak. Some authorities have advised their citizens to defer all travel to
Japan. Travelers should follow the advice of their local authorities. Symptoms
of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Health authorities
have implemented protocols for isolation, quarantine, testing, and managing
people who may have been exposed to the virus. To prevent infection, travelers
should pay attention to hygiene, wash hands frequently, avoid touching their
face, and avoid close contact with other people.
Marshall Islands
Hundreds of cases of
dengue fever have been reported. The disease is spread mainly by mosquito
bites. It can cause a range of symptoms including fever, headache, and a rash.
Some people, especially infants, pregnant women and those who have been
infected before, get a more severe form that can lead to fatal complications.
Travelers should prevent infection by avoiding mosquito bites.
Mongolia
Travelers should
follow official directives and stay within their current location through March
29 due to stringent restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The
government has cut air, road, and railway connections between Ulaanbaatar and
the rest of Mongolia through March 16. Residents are banned from leaving their
location. All flights to and from Kazakhstan, Russia, Turkey South Korea,
Japan, and China (including Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan) have been suspended,
with the earliest resumption expected on March 28. There are extremely limited
options to leave the country during this period. All travel to Mongolia should
be deferred until flights resume.
New Zealand
On Sunday, March 15,
travelers in Christchurch should anticipate heightened security around
gatherings commemorating the first anniversary of the terrorist attack on two
mosques in the city. Fifty-one people were killed in the incident. A national
remembrance service will be held at Horncastle Arena from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM
local time. Similar rallies are likely in other urban centers. Road closures
and associated disruption can be expected around related events.
Philippines
Yesterday, President
Rodrigo Duterte announced the lockdown of Metro Manila from March 15 through
April 14 in order to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 disease. The measures,
which include the suspension of all domestic travel by air, land, or sea to and
from Metro Manila would impact any travel from the city to other parts of the
country, limiting the options for departure to international flights only;
however, international flight options may also be restricted at short notice,
which would make it extremely difficult for those in the city to depart.
Singapore
Additional travel restrictions have been implemented, in addition to
pre-existing entry bans, to help contain the COVID-19 outbreak. People’s
Republic of China and Iranian passport holders, as well as travelers who have
visited mainland China, Iran, northern Italy or the Republic of Korea in the
past 14 days, should reconfirm the overall feasibility of travel prior to
departure. A number of countries have also issued travel advisories for
Singapore since the Disease Outbreak Response System Condition (DORSCON) level
was raised to Orange (second highest on a four-tier scale) in response to the
ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. Measures imposed include entry restrictions and
mandatory quarantine. Travelers should comply with all advisories issued by
their national authorities.
Solomon Islands
Since December 28,
2019, travelers from a country considered “measles-affected” are
required to show proof of measles vaccination to enter the Solomon Islands.
Visitors who do not have the required proof will be denied entry. Travelers
should ensure they are immune to measles before travel and carry proof of
up-to-date measles vaccination record.
South Korea
Non-essential travel to Daegu City, Cheongdo County, and Gyeongsan City should
be deferred. Travelers should also consider deferring non-essential travel to
the rest of the country due to the increased potential for short-notice
restrictions and mandatory quarantine at other destinations amid the COVID-19
outbreak. More countries have announced entry restrictions and quarantine
requirements for travelers from South Korea. There are currently no
restrictions on movement in or out of the “special care zones” of Gyeongsan,
Daegu or Cheongdo, though transportation services to Daegu have been reduced.
Thailand
Thailand has imposed
further visa restrictions and additional quarantine measures linked to the
COVID-19 outbreak. It is now mandatory for travelers coming from China
(including Hong Kong and Macao), Iran, Italy and South Korea to present a
medical certificate, issued no more than 48 hours before departure, confirming
they have not been infected by COVID-19 in the past 14 days. These travelers
are also required to implement self-quarantine for at least 14 days after their
arrival. The plan to cancel visa on arrival services for 18 countries and
suspend visa exemptions for South Korea, Italy, and Hong Kong passport holders
has been temporarily put on hold.
Vietnam
Authorities have made it mandatory for all travelers to declare their health
status, which can be completed online before arrival in Vietnam, as part of the
effort to contain the COVID-19 outbreak. The temporary entry ban for travelers
with travel history to mainland China remains in effect, except for those on
official or diplomatic missions. Visa-free travel has also been suspended for
citizens of Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, United Kingdom, Germany, France,
Spain, South Korea, and Italy. Travelers from mainland China who are permitted
to enter Vietnam, as well as those from South Korea, Iran and Italy, are
required to undergo 14-day quarantine upon entry. Travelers should abide by
official directives and reconfirm their itineraries and the overall feasibility
of travel prior to departure.
EUROPE
Regional
Travelers in countries within the Schengen Area planning travel to the US
should reconfirm flights and maintain flexible itineraries following the
announcement of new restrictions on certain foreign nationals entering the US.
The restrictions, which are for a 30-day period beginning at 12:00 AM local
time on Friday, March 13, have been introduced in the wake of the COVID-19
outbreak. US President Donald Trump announced that entry into the US would be
suspended for certain non-US nationals who had been within the Schengen Area of
Europe at any time in the 14 days prior to their arrival to the US.
Imported cases of COVID-19 (formerly 2019-novel coronavirus disease) have been
confirmed in multiple countries. This new coronavirus can cause symptoms of
fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Travelers in affected locations are
advised to pay attention to general hygiene and avoid direct contact with
people who are obviously sick. Anyone with symptoms of pneumonia, which include
high fever and shortness of breath, should seek medical attention.
Several countries in the region have implemented travel restrictions to limit
the potential importation of COVID-19. Screening measures should be expected in
most airports across the region. These have applied primarily to travelers
arriving from China, though some countries and airlines are also implementing
measures for those traveling to and from Iran, Italy, and South Korea. Travelers
should be prepared for flight cancellations and disruption at airports and
should account for the risk of further expansion of the outbreak and subsequent
restrictions.
Travelers in the UK and EU should continue to monitor developments and follow
all government guidelines related to the process of the UK leaving the EU,
known as “Brexit.” A withdrawal agreement was signed into law on January 23
after being ratified by the UK Parliament. Under the agreement, the UK left the
EU at 11:00 PM local time on January 31. There will now be a transition period,
during which most laws will remain unchanged. Local gatherings relating to
Brexit may take place in the UK, with most such events likely to be focused on
Parliament Square in London.
France
COVID-19 has been reported from all 13 regions of Metropolitan France. Symptoms
of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Health authorities
have implemented protocols for isolation, quarantine, testing, and managing
people who may have been exposed to the virus. Travelers should follow the
directions of local authorities. To prevent infection, travelers should pay
attention to hygiene, keep away from others, and avoid large crowds.
Tomorrow, travelers in Paris should anticipate disruption and plan journeys
avoiding demonstrations due to the risk of local unrest. Members of the Yellow
Vest movement have announced a march departing at 8:30 AM local time from
Montparnasse to Bercy, as well as rallies at 9:30 AM local time at Trocadero
and at 1:00 PM local time on Avenue des Champs-Elysees. These are being
organized to commemorate the one-year anniversary of particularly disruptive
Yellow Vest protests in March 2019. Activists will also rally at 1:00 PM local
time at Place de l’Opera.
Greece
Tomorrow, travelers in Mytilene City should exercise caution and avoid an
anti-fascist gathering in support of migrants due to the credible risk of
unrest. Demonstrators are due to gather at Sapfous Square at 11:00 AM local
time. Tensions over the construction of a new migrant center have sparked
regular clashes between protesters and police. The use of tear gas, water
cannons, and stun grenades to disperse protesters previously highlights the
potential risk for travelers in the vicinity of the upcoming event.
Italy
All travel to the
Lombardy and Veneto regions, as well as 14 provinces across four other northern
regions should be deferred through April 3 due to restrictions amid the
COVID-19 outbreak. Non-essential travel to the rest of Italy should be deferred
through April 3 as well. As of March 10, the previously defined “red zones”
have been extended by the government to all of Italy, meaning that travel is
barred except for essential purposes or emergencies, and any such travel
requires self-certification. All public gatherings have been prohibited.
Travelers should abide by official directives and minimize movement.
Rome
Ciampino Airport (CIA) is closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. General aviation
activities, State Authority, and cargo aviation activities will remain
unchanged.
Terminal 1 at Rome Fiumicino International Airport (FCO) is closed, and all
operations will be carried out of the facility’s Terminal 3 until further
notice.
On February 29, the US State Department raised the Travel Advisory for Italy to
Level 3: Reconsider travel due to a recent outbreak of COVID-19. A Level 4: Do
Not Travel Advisory is in effect for Lombardy and Veneto due to the level of
community transmission of the virus and imposition of local quarantine
procedures.
