State Department Tells Americans “Do Not Travel”, Delays Passport Applications
The State Department today issued a Level 4 advisory for travel abroad, which means “do not travel”. The warning comes only four days after it was raised to a Level 3 advisory to “reconsider travel”.
The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. In countries where commercial departure options remain available, U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period. U.S. citizens who live abroad should avoid all international travel. Many countries are experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks and implementing travel restrictions and mandatory quarantines, closing borders, and prohibiting non-citizens from entry with little advance notice. Airlines have cancelled many international flights and several cruise operators have suspended operations or cancelled trips. If you choose to travel internationally, your travel plans may be severely disrupted, and you may be forced to remain outside of the United States for an indefinite timeframe.
The warning comes as we see a sharp increase in coronavirus cases outside of China. There are now more than 11,200 in the United States and over 236,000 worldwide. The global death toll is at 9,800 with 157 of those fatalities in the United States.
Passport Applications Delayed
The State Department has also said that there is a delay in passport applications due to public health measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. Effective March 20, 2020, expedited service will be very limited. Only customers with a qualified life-or-death emergency and who need a passport for immediate international travel within 72 hours can apply.
If you are applying for or renewing a U.S. passport on or after March 20, 2020, expedited service (2-3 weeks) is no longer offered, except for cases listed above. Routine service (6-8 weeks) may be delayed.
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