State Department Global Health Advisory

The State Department on Wednesday raised the worldwide travel advisory to Level 3: Reconsider Travel, urging US citizens to reconsider travel abroad due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to reconsider travel abroad due to the global impact of COVID-19. Many areas throughout the world are now experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks and taking action that may limit traveler mobility, including quarantines and border restrictions. Even countries, jurisdictions, or areas where cases have not been reported may restrict travel without notice.

The note was released shortly after President Donald Trump’s Oval Office address, where he promised to use “the full power of the federal government” to confront the growing public health crisis, including what he characterized as a suspension of “all travel from Europe to the United States for the next 30 days.”

Travelers are urged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. The Department uses these Alerts to convey information about terrorist threats, security incidents, planned demonstrations, natural disasters, etc. In an emergency, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate or call the following numbers: 1(888) 407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1 (202) 501-4444 from other countries or jurisdictions.

If you decide to travel abroad:

• Review and follow the CDC’s guidelines for the prevention of coronavirus.
• Check with your airlines or cruise lines regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
• Visit travel.state.gov to view individual Travel Advisories for the most urgent threats to safety and security.
• Visit our Embassy webpages on COVID-19 for information on conditions in each country or jurisdiction.
• Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the U.S.