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The United States is limiting travel for people from certain countries, as is the case with many countries because of the coronavirus. To enter from a high-risk area, you need to meet several criteria and likely undergo quarantine before you can travel through the country. Even then, consider the social distancing, store closures and limited medical coverage you might experience during your trip.
The United States may allow travelers from other countries, as long as you’re not coming from a high-risk area. For specific countries including the ones listed below, the President has issued statements limiting travel for people who aren’t US citizens. You can find updates about which countries are restricted due to the coronavirus from the US Department of State.
Some of the areas restricted, as of June 25, 2020, include:
Most people coming from high-risk countries won’t be allowed in the United States. However, you can contact the US embassy in your country if you have questions about your travel plans. What to expect based on your citizenship status:
If you’re allowed into the US from a high-risk country, you can expect special instructions from a government or health official. You might need to:
Self-quarantine means you won’t leave your house or hotel room, except for medical care. You also need to practice social distancing from other people inside the house or hotel. Advice to follow:
Many policies exclude travel coverage for epidemics, pandemics or any foreseeable event. Most companies recognized the coronavirus as a known event between January 22 to January 24, 2020.
However, if you bought travel insurance before COVID-19 became a known health event, you may have coverage. In addition, some companies are allowing coronavirus claims under certain types of coverage or specialized policies.
A quick rundown of how you may be covered:
In order to get medical coverage for the coronavirus, you need a travel or health insurance policy that covers the illness abroad. It’s unlikely you’ll get travel coverage for policies bought after the virus became a known event, unless you buy a policy that covers the coronavirus specifically. And your individual health insurance may or may not cover international medical expenses.
The US healthcare marketplace only extends coverage to US citizens or legal permanent residents. If you can’t find coverage through your own health or travel policy, reconsider traveling to the US during the coronavirus outbreak. Many travel carriers and insurance companies are letting customers reschedule travel without change fees.
Most likely, yes. The US government encourages non-US citizens to return to their home country since getting medical care abroad can get complicated. However, you may need to meet new entry requirements for your home country that factor in coronavirus safety measures.
For example, you may need health screening and a 14-day quarantine to make sure you haven’t contracted the coronavirus. You can contact your country’s embassy in the US or search for entry requirements on the US Department of State website.
Also, be prepared for last-minute flight cancellations or new travel measures put in place by the US or your home country’s government. Many travelers have experienced delays in getting home due to the changing landscape of travel from the coronavirus. For countries that aren’t allowing new entrants, check with your embassy or government website for the most updated info and steps on how to get entry permission.
If you’re continuing your travel in the US, consider taking as many precautions as possible to prevent you from contracting the coronavirus. Precautions recommended by the CDC include:
In addition to these CDC recommendations, consider limiting your travel to public places or using public transportation even if you’re not sick. If you become ill, avoid public areas entirely.
You may pass the entry requirements if you’re coming from a country not seeing widespread cases of the coronavirus. However, you can expect specific requirements and quarantine if you’re coming from a country considered high-risk by the CDC or Department of State.
Consider rebooking your travel for a later date with travel insurance coverage, so you can enjoy the full benefits of trip protection.
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