US Issues Level 4 Advisory For All International Travel

Published: March 19, 2020

This isn’t unexpected, but the US Department of State has just issued a Level 4 (“Do Not Travel”) advisory for all international travel.

With this, US citizens are advised not to travel internationally, and if they’re outside the US, they should arrange for immediate return back home, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period.

Here’s the full advisory:

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.

On March 14, the Department of State authorized the departure of U.S. personnel and family members from any diplomatic or consular post in the world who have determined they are at higher risk of a poor outcome if exposed to COVID-19 or who have requested departure based on a commensurate justification. These departures may limit the ability of U.S. Embassies and consulates to provide services to U.S. citizens.

If you decide to travel abroad or are already outside the United States:

Consider returning to your country of residence immediately using whatever commercial means are available.

Have a travel plan that does not rely on the U.S. Government for assistance.

Review and follow the CDC’s guidelines for the prevention of coronavirus.

Check with your airline, cruise lines, or travel operators 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 United States

Visit Keeping workplaces, homes, schools, or commercial establishments safe.

Bottom line

It was just a few days ago that the US issued a “Level 3” advisory, and now we’re seeing a “Level 4” advisory. It’s not known if this is just a general recommended precaution given the uncertainty around the globe, or if we’re about to see the US completely close borders (or something).

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Cindy Valentine Guest

March 21, 2020, 9:06 am

We are two mid-70’s ladies in Palenque with flight reservations home to Dallas on Mar 24 on Interjet and American Airlines. Of course can’t get thru to airlines. Any thoughts on whether we’ll be able to get home?

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CMAMD Guest

March 21, 2020, 8:09 am

There is so much more involved than just being safe. With family separation, I would walk back to USA if need be, for being with my family during time of crisis! Loving them, helping them is what parents do! The world is at risk, there are no safe zones and either people survive working together or they die alone. Until science finds drug or vaccination, follow the formula to stay alive-...........

Eskimo Guest

March 20, 2020, 6:36 pm

@Ray Give @D3KingAmerican a break, you can tell this person isn't even 30 yet. Too young to understand SARS and big recessions. I also think 20 years (if they are lucky????) is way too pessimistic. I give it 3 to at most 7 years. Maybe you are also too young or way too old?

Ray Gold

March 20, 2020, 1:37 pm

@D3KingAmerican: “relatively unscathed in comparison to the rest of the world” means absolutely nothing. You are already looking at a 10k point drop in the stock market and you have just started the slide. The US economy was on unstable legs to start since the growth was triggered by stripping all environmental protections, tax breaks for the rich and corporations, lowering interest rates as the growth had already started. This creating a debt beyond a trillion dollars. You now have zero tools other than plunging trillions more of money that isn’t there into the already debt ridden economy. Let’s just say the US may not see recovery for 20 years if they are lucky. Not sure if unscathed in comparison is something to brag about. And to boot you have an unqualified leader that has zero plan and nobody qualified to start the recovery. You may be feeling above it all, but you aren’t.

D3KingAmerican Diamond

March 20, 2020, 1:17 pm

@skooby @iamsuu You don’t know what your talking about. Don’t be mad if America pulls through from this relatively unscathed in comparison to the rest of the world.

US Issues Level 4 Advisory For All International Travel

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