By Cailey Rizzo Updated March 16, 2020
American’s coming home from select countries will have to pass through one of 13 approved airports before continuing to their final destination.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued new enhanced screening for international arrivals at airports around the country following the Trump administration’s implemented travel restrictions.
American’s coming home from Europe’s Schengen Zone, China and Iran will have to pass through one of 13 approved airports before continuing to their final destination.
In details released by the DHS, travelers will have to pass through the typical customs process upon arrival at airports including Boston-Logan, Chicago O’Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, Detroit Metropolitan, Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, New York’s John F. Kennedy and Newark Liberty, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco, Seattle-Tacoma and Washington-Dulles.
Then, in an enhanced health screening, medical professionals and members of the Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) will ask travelers for their medical history and assess their current condition. They will also collect contact information for local health authorities. If they are deemed healthy, they will receive written information about COVID-19 before they are allowed to proceed to their final destination. Upon arrival, they will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days.
“To minimize disruptions to travelers, TSA, CBP, and air carriers are working to identify qualifying passengers before their scheduled flights,” DHS Acting Secretary Chad F. Wolf said. “I understand this new process will be disruptive to some travelers, however this action is needed to protect the general public from further exposure and spread of the coronavirus. Once back in the U.S. it is imperative that individuals honor self-quarantine directives to help protect their loved-ones and communities.”
Since the restrictions have been implemented, photos and news of hectic scenes at the airport have been surfacing.
The travel ban enacted last week allows Americans who were abroad to return home, however it bars select foreign nationals from entering the country. Green-card holders, family members and other authorized travelers will also be permitted to pass through the enhanced security.
Author: Cailey Rizzo
Updated March 16, 2020