President Donald Trump declared COVID-19 a national emergency Friday, as the government took additional steps to mitigate the spread of the virus. The Department of Homeland Security has announced that flights from Europe will be routed through 13 U.S. airports. And the State Department has moved to cancel immigration appointments in a growing number of locations abroad.

Key Points:

  • Trump announced on Wednesday that the United States would suspend travel from 26 countries in Europe to mitigate COVID-19. The restrictions do not apply to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, spouses of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents and a limited number of others.
  • TSA and CBP released pre-publication versions of Federal Register notices today directing flights from the 26 European countries to be diverted to the following U.S. airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York; Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Illinois; San Francisco International Airport (SFO), California; Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Washington; Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), Hawaii; Los Angeles International Airport, (LAX), California; Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Georgia; Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD), Virginia; Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), New Jersey; Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Texas; Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), Michigan; Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Massachusetts; and Miami International Airport (MIA), Florida.
  • The U.S. State Department has closed diplomatic posts or limited immigration services in a growing number of locations.
    • India. U.S. Mission India posts will cancel all immigrant and nonimmigrant visa appointments beginning March 16. Those whose appointments have been scheduled can reschedule appointments once normal operations resume. Additional information is available at www.ustraveldocs.com/in  and in.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/.
    • Italy. Mission posts in Florence, Genoa, Milan, Naples, Palermo, Rome and Venice are providing emergency services only. Those in need of emergency services should contact the appropriate consular office.
    • Paris, France. BAL has received information that beginning March 16 routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa appointments will be canceled. Those with emergency immigration or travel needs should follow the guidance on this website or send an email to fae_contactus+fr+mrv+en@visaops.net.
    • Dublin, Ireland. The U.S. Embassy will limit services beginning March 16. Emergency services for U.S. nationals and emergency visa processing will be available.
    • Munich, Germany. BAL has received information that all visa services at the U.S. consulate in Munich will be suspended from March 13 to April 3. Those who need to reschedule an appointment should visit this website to do so.
    • Madrid, Spain. BAL has received information that the U.S. Embassy in Spain has cancelled all in-person appointments from March 12 to March 27. Appointments may be available in April, but this is not certain. Emergency services for U.S. nationals and emergency visa processing will be available.

Additional information: BAL is continuing to monitor the government’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak and will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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