Important Updates
Important Updates
July 25, 2025 | ThailandThailand: Electronic Travel Authorization Requirement for Visa-Exempt Nationals Forthcoming
July 25, 2025 | BulgariaBulgaria: Mandatory New Health Insurance Requirement for Single Work and Residence Permit Holders
July 25, 2025 | PolandPoland: New Rule Requires Submission of Employment Contracts Online
July 25, 2025 | SpainSpain: Certain Work Permits Can Now Be Issued for Less Than 90 Days
July 25, 2025 | ThailandThailand: Digital Arrival Card System Replaces Electronic Travel Authorization System
July 25, 2025 | ThailandThailand: Electronic Travel Authorization Requirement for Visa-Exempt Nationals Forthcoming
July 25, 2025 | BulgariaBulgaria: Mandatory New Health Insurance Requirement for Single Work and Residence Permit Holders
July 25, 2025 | PolandPoland: New Rule Requires Submission of Employment Contracts Online
July 25, 2025 | SpainSpain: Certain Work Permits Can Now Be Issued for Less Than 90 Days
July 25, 2025 | ThailandThailand: Digital Arrival Card System Replaces Electronic Travel Authorization System
July 25, 2025 | ThailandThailand: Electronic Travel Authorization Requirement for Visa-Exempt Nationals Forthcoming
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

Coronavirus Update: U.S. Imposes Travel Restrictions and Quarantines on Individuals Traveling from China

January 31, 2020

insight-news-default

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

At a Glance

  • Foreign nationals who have visited China within 14 days of seeking admission to the United States will be denied entry, with the exception of lawful permanent residents, immediate family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, and certain others.
  • U.S. citizens who have visited China’s Hubei Province within 14 days before reentry to the United States will face a mandatory quarantine, while citizens returning from other parts of mainland China will face advanced screening and a self-imposed quarantine to monitor their health.  U.S. permanent residents, immediate family of U.S. citizens and permanent residents and others exempted from the entry ban are also expected to be subject to quarantine.
  • The travel restrictions are slated to take effect on Sunday, February 2, at 5pm Eastern time.
  • Visa appointments at U.S. consulates in China will be cancelled until further notice beginning February 3.

The issue

The White House has issued a presidential proclamation that will impose travel restrictions and quarantines on travelers from China. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex M. Azar II announced late Friday in a White House press conference that the coronavirus outbreak has been declared a U.S. public health emergency. The restrictions will take effect on Sunday, February 2 at 5pm Eastern time. 

Impact on foreign nationals

A presidential proclamation will temporarily bar the entry of foreign nationals coming from mainland China in the 14 days preceding their attempted admission to the United States. 

However, the following groups of foreign nationals are exempt from the ban:

  • U.S. lawful permanent residents;
  • The spouse of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident;
  • The parent or legal guardian of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, if the U.S. citizen or permanent resident is unmarried and under the age of 21;
  • The sibling of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, provided that both are unmarried and under the age of 21;
  • The child, foster child, or ward of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, or who is a prospective adoptee seeking to enter the United States pursuant to the IR-4 or IH-4 visa classifications;
  • A foreign national traveling at the invitation of the U.S. government for a purpose related to containment or mitigation of the virus;
  • Nonimmigrant crewmembers;
  • Foreign nationals seeking entry or transiting the United States under an A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-4 or NATO-6 visa;
  • A foreign national whose entry would not pose a significant risk of transmitting the virus, as determined by the Centers for Disease Control; and
  • A foreign national whose entry would further important U.S. law enforcement interests or would be in the U.S. national interest.

Impact on U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents and others exempt from the entry ban

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will impose a mandatory quarantine of up to 14 days on U.S. citizens who have visited China’s Hubei province within 14 days of their attempted entry.  U.S. citizens who visited other parts of mainland China within the previous 14 days will undergo advanced health screening at one of seven designated ports of entry, as well as a monitored self-quarantine of up to 14 days. The quarantine is also expected to apply to lawful permanent residents and immediate family members of U.S. citizens and permanent residents, and others exempt from the travel ban.

Implementation of the travel restrictions

The travel restrictions will take effect on Sunday, February 2, at 5pm Eastern time. At that time, the United States will also start channeling all flights from China as well as flights with passengers who have visited China to seven airports -- John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, Chicago O’Hare International Airport in Illinois, San Francisco International Airport in California, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in Washington, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport tin Hawaii, Los Angeles International Airport in California, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia. 

U.S. consular operations in China

In addition to these travel restrictions, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in China have cancelled immigrant and nonimmigrant visa appointments scheduled for the week of February 3, following the Chinese government's decision to impose restrictions on large gatherings. The State Department has indicated that it hopes to resume routine visa services as soon as possible, though it is unable to provide an exact date at this time. 

What this means for foreign nationals and U.S. Citizens

Starting February 2, foreign nationals who have recently visited mainland China and who are not immediate relatives of U.S. citizens or green card holders will not be admitted to the United States until the proclamation has been lifted. This includes foreign nationals who hold a valid nonimmigrant visa to the United States. 

While U.S. citizens will be permitted to enter the United States, they must travel through one of the seven designated ports of entry. Those who physically visited Hubei Province will face a mandatory quarantine upon their arrival, while those who visited mainland China face an immediate health screen and instructions for self-quarantine. U.S. lawful permanent residents and the immediate family members of U.S. citizens and permanent residents should also be prepared for these measures.

Foreign nationals with visa appointments or awaiting visa issuance from U.S. consulates in China should check with the relevant consulate for the latest information on closures and consular operations. Links to U.S. consulates in China are available at the Department of State’s consular directory.

Fragomen is closely following the U.S. travel restrictions related to the coronavirus and will provide updates as further details are issued. For the latest information related to the coronavirus’ impact on immigration-related matters worldwide, please visit Fragomen’s Coronavirus Update Page. 

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

The PIE: More Declines Loom in “Seriously Concerning” US Visa Trends

Partner Aaron Blumberg noted that enhanced screening measures, including social media vetting, may be contributing to delays in US student visa processing.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration Reforms: What’s Next for Construction Employers?

Associate Ilaria Iovieno outlines how recent UK immigration reforms will impact construction employers and their ability to sponsor overseas talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Grand Designs Magazine: How to Buy Your Dream Home Overseas

Director Isobel Neilson discusses how changes to golden visa programmes are affecting UK buyers pursuing overseas property investment.

Learn more

Media mentions

TechInformed: Global Talent, Local Growth: Immigration’s Role in the Tech Economy

Senior Associate Tayyaba Karim and Associates Aisha Shahid and Yinny Tan outline how UK immigration changes affect tech talent access and business alignment.

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: Hoping to Visit the U.S.? It Might Cost You an Extra $250.

Partner Parisa Karaahmet is quoted on a new country-specific, $250 "visa integrity fee" introduced by the current US administration as part of a domestic policy bill.

Learn more

Media mentions

New Civil Engineer: The immigration white paper and the government’s Industrial Strategy – how do they compare?

Paralegal Sean Pearce discusses the UK government's immigration White Paper in the context of its Industrial Strategy, noting the importance of overseas talent in meeting infrastructure and housing goals.

Learn more

Video

Update on U.S. Tariffs | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Partner Christian Dallman shares an update on US tariffs as the August 1 deadline for trade negotiations approaches.

Learn more

Media mentions

Saudi Gazette: Saudi Arabia’s Skill-Based Work Permit System Reshapes Expat Employment Landscape

Partner Haider Hussain discussed how Saudi Arabia’s new skill-based work permit system is reshaping employer compliance and recruitment strategies.

Learn more

Podcast

Visa Policy Changes in Nigeria

Director Caroline Kanzara-Obinwa and Manager Tarissa Wareley are joined by Bloomfield Law Practice's Kunle Obebe and Peace Lotechukwu to discuss Nigeria's 2025 visa policy reforms.

Learn more

Media mentions

Windpower Monthly: Wind Industry’s Chronic Skills Shortage Exacerbated by Tough Immigration Rules

Associate Yinny Tan outlines how proposed UK immigration changes may affect workforce planning and talent access in the wind industry.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Creative Industries & Immigration: What the 2025 Policy Changes Mean

Senior Manager Sean Rhodes, Associate Jennifer Gray and Paralegal Mariel Arquero outlines how the United Kingdom's 2025 immigration policy changes will impact the creative industries.

Learn more

Media mentions

AAML: Navigating U.S. Passport Applications for Minors Under 16: A Guide for Family Law Attorneys

Senior Associate Carolyn Alvarez outlines US passport rules for minors to guide family law attorneys on immigration requirements.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: More Declines Loom in “Seriously Concerning” US Visa Trends

Partner Aaron Blumberg noted that enhanced screening measures, including social media vetting, may be contributing to delays in US student visa processing.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration Reforms: What’s Next for Construction Employers?

Associate Ilaria Iovieno outlines how recent UK immigration reforms will impact construction employers and their ability to sponsor overseas talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Grand Designs Magazine: How to Buy Your Dream Home Overseas

Director Isobel Neilson discusses how changes to golden visa programmes are affecting UK buyers pursuing overseas property investment.

Learn more

Media mentions

TechInformed: Global Talent, Local Growth: Immigration’s Role in the Tech Economy

Senior Associate Tayyaba Karim and Associates Aisha Shahid and Yinny Tan outline how UK immigration changes affect tech talent access and business alignment.

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: Hoping to Visit the U.S.? It Might Cost You an Extra $250.

Partner Parisa Karaahmet is quoted on a new country-specific, $250 "visa integrity fee" introduced by the current US administration as part of a domestic policy bill.

Learn more

Media mentions

New Civil Engineer: The immigration white paper and the government’s Industrial Strategy – how do they compare?

Paralegal Sean Pearce discusses the UK government's immigration White Paper in the context of its Industrial Strategy, noting the importance of overseas talent in meeting infrastructure and housing goals.

Learn more

Video

Update on U.S. Tariffs | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Partner Christian Dallman shares an update on US tariffs as the August 1 deadline for trade negotiations approaches.

Learn more

Media mentions

Saudi Gazette: Saudi Arabia’s Skill-Based Work Permit System Reshapes Expat Employment Landscape

Partner Haider Hussain discussed how Saudi Arabia’s new skill-based work permit system is reshaping employer compliance and recruitment strategies.

Learn more

Podcast

Visa Policy Changes in Nigeria

Director Caroline Kanzara-Obinwa and Manager Tarissa Wareley are joined by Bloomfield Law Practice's Kunle Obebe and Peace Lotechukwu to discuss Nigeria's 2025 visa policy reforms.

Learn more

Media mentions

Windpower Monthly: Wind Industry’s Chronic Skills Shortage Exacerbated by Tough Immigration Rules

Associate Yinny Tan outlines how proposed UK immigration changes may affect workforce planning and talent access in the wind industry.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Creative Industries & Immigration: What the 2025 Policy Changes Mean

Senior Manager Sean Rhodes, Associate Jennifer Gray and Paralegal Mariel Arquero outlines how the United Kingdom's 2025 immigration policy changes will impact the creative industries.

Learn more

Media mentions

AAML: Navigating U.S. Passport Applications for Minors Under 16: A Guide for Family Law Attorneys

Senior Associate Carolyn Alvarez outlines US passport rules for minors to guide family law attorneys on immigration requirements.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.