Because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, on March 11, 2020, President Trump issued a new travel proclamation suspending entry of all immigrants and non-immigrants who were physically present in the following 26 European countries. The countries include Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. If you are physically present in any of these countries during a 14-day period preceding your entry or attempted entry into the U.S., you will not be permitted to enter the U.S.
 
This suspension does not apply to lawful permanent residents of the U.S. (and certain family members) or U.S. Citizens (and certain family members). If you visit or have visited any of these countries during a 14-day period preceding your return to the U.S., you will not be permitted to board any aircraft to the U.S. The travel proclamation becomes effective at 11:59 p.m. ET on March 13, 2020. This proclamation shall remain in effect until terminated by the president. Please note that Ireland and the U.K. are exempt and are not part of the 26 countries above.
 
If your R-1 religious worker is considering travel to any of these countries, he/she may face delays returning to the U.S. If your R-1 religious worker is outside the U.S. and visited any of these countries, he/she may face delays returning to the U.S. This would also apply to any religious person with an F-1 student visa or B-1/B-2 tourist visa. Please give careful consideration before traveling outside the U.S. as the risk of not being able to return grows. There will be delays in returning to the U.S. and the list of affected countries could expand.
 
This is an unfortunate and dangerous health situation that we hope and pray does not become worse as time passes. We will provide more updates as they come. If you or your religious worker has any questions about this please contact the RIS Attorney assigned to your case. Thank you.