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Nations across the world have imposed travel restrictions to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Here, the current list of countries and territories limiting entry.
By Andrea Salcedo, Sanam Yar and Gina Cherelus
[This article is no longer updated. Find updates on the coronavirus pandemic here.]
In recent weeks, many countries around the world, including the United States, have imposed travel restrictions to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. Airport closures, the suspension of all incoming and outgoing flights, and nationwide lockdowns are just some of the measures countries are adopting in an effort to help contain the pandemic.
On March 19, the State Department issued a Level 4 “do not travel” advisory, recommending that United States citizens avoid any global travel. This is the highest travel advisory the federal agency can issue. During the same week, the European Union instituted a 30-day ban on nonessential travel to at least 26 European countries from the rest of the world.
At least 93 percent of the global population now lives in countries with coronavirus-related travel restrictions, with approximately 3 billion people residing in countries enforcing complete border closures to foreigners, according to recent analysis by the Pew Research Center. This list of countries and territories that have restricted travel, pulled from official government reports and the State Department, will be updated as new measures are announced.
If the territory in which you are looking for data is rarely very much on the list, please refer to this State Department list with updates on the restrictions set.
Ghana
Ghana has closed its borders to all incoming travellers for two weeks, starting on 22 March. Travellers entering the country before March 22 would likely be quarantined. On 4 April, the Government of Ghana announced that it would extend the closure by two weeks from Sunday 5 April.
Kenya
On 25 March, the Kenyan government suspended all foreign flights to and from the country. People who entered the country between 23 March and 25 March are quarantined at a government institution.
Morocco
The Moroccan government has declared a “health emergency” that is in force until 20 April, indefinitely postponing all scheduled advertising flights to and from the country. Although the country announced the suspension of all foreign passenger flights on March 15, some repatriation charter flights were arranged for U.S. citizens to leave the country on March 20.
Namibia
On 24 March, Namibia’s Minister of Health declared that Namibia of all countries was banned for a 30-day era. Citizens and permanent citizens cannot leave the country either. Citizens and permanent citizens would only be admitted to the country “if their project is essential for the national interest”, and anyone returning from abroad will have to practice a mandatory supervised quarantine for 14 days. Since March 18, American lers have been denied access to the country.
South Africa
On 26 March, the South African government launched a 21-day blockade. During this period, the country’s borders were “closed to human activity”, with the exception of essential services. All airports, land borders and ports are also closed and all foreign and domestic flights have been suspended.
Argentina
On March 15, Argentina announced it was closing its borders to all incoming foreigners for at least two weeks. The ban does not apply to legal permanent residents, and it has been extended indefinitely.
Bolivia
As of March 26, noncitizens are barred from entering the country. On March 25, the Bolivian government announced a total quarantine in the country effective until April 15. All borders, including land borders, are closed, and all international and domestic flights have been suspended, other than government-sanctioned humanitarian and repatriation flights.
Brazil
On March 30, Brazil closed its borders for a period of 30 days to most foreign nationals arriving by air who don’t fall into one of several categories outlined here. Permanent residents, citizens and the spouses, domestic partners, children, parents or caregivers of a Brazilian citizen are among the groups of people who may still enter the country.
On 19 March, Brazil closed all land borders, there was no restriction of access for travellers arriving by sea. As of March 17, all persons entering or entering the country must comply with quarantine-related medical recommendations.
Canada
As of March 30, all travelers arriving in Canada must undergo a fitness check before boarding their flight. Most foreign nationals, with the exception of those arriving from the United States for a must-see trip, cannot enter Canada as of March 18. There are some exemptions, which add an immediate circle of relatives members of a Canadian or resident permanent citizen, and a more detailed list should be made here.
On March 18, Canada announced that the border with the United States was final by mutual decision, according to an announcement by President Trump on Twitter. Now, only Americans who work daily, adding physical care workers, can enter Canada, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said at a press conference on March 18. Trucks and trains carrying products are also exempt from the new measures, which are in force until 20 April. The full list of what’s called “essential travel” is here.
Recently, only 4 Canadian airports are settled for foreign flights: Toronto Pearson International Airport, Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, Vancouver International Airport and Calgary International Airport; Domestic flights from the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean and San Pedro and Miquelon will be exempt.
All travelers entering Canada must undergo self-isolation for 14 days.
Chile
On March 18, the government closed its borders to all foreigners for an undetermined period. All people entering the country must quarantine for 14 days.
Colombia
On March 23, the country stopped all foreign flights for an era of 30 days. Everyone from and from the country is closed. On March 16, the Colombian president announced that the country would close its borders until May 30.
Costa Rica
Only Costa Rican citizens and their minor children, as well as residents, people whose residency is in process and foreign diplomats, are allowed to enter the country until April 12. The ban applies to all land, sea and air arrivals, though aircrews aren’t subject to the ban. Anyone entering the country must quarantine for 14 days.
Effective March 24, foreigners who are Costa Rican residents and leave the country will automatically lose their legal status, making them ineligible for re-entry for the time being, though they will not have to restart the residency process.
Dominican Republic
On March 19, the Dominican Republic suspended the arrival of incoming travelers and “effectively closed the country’s borders” during an initial 15-day era. Departure flights will continue to foreigners, for the time being.
Ecuador
As of March 16, no one, citizens and residents, can enter the country for the next 21 days.
El Salvador
On March 11, El Salvador announced it had barred entry to all foreigners, except accredited diplomats and legal permanent residents.
Guatemala
Guatemala’s President Alejandro Giammattei announced on March 16 that the country is ending its borders for 15 days. Most non-citizens and residents, with some exceptions because of their physical condition and security, cannot enter the country indefinitely. According to the State Department, the Guatemalan government can rethink this resolution at any time.
Mexico
On 21 March, the United States and Mexico introduced a joint initiative that restricts the non-essential along the land border between the United States and Mexico to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, according to the State Department. Non-essential includes trips that are considered tourist or recreational.
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