Clarification of the President’s EU Travel Ban

Following Wednesday night’s Oval Office remarks by President Trump on COVID-19, the White House released this proclamation announcing restrictions on travelers to the U.S. from countries in the EU Schengen Area. Those 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.

Specifically, the administration will ban entry by immigrants and non-immigrants who were physically present within the Schengen Area during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the U.S. The proclamation is effective at 11:59 p.m. EDT Friday, March 13, and will remain in effect until terminated by the president. These restrictions do not apply to U.S. goods imports from the European Union. According to the proclamation, “the free flow of commerce between the United States and the Schengen Area countries remains an economic priority for the United States.” 3/12/2020