Auto Rental News
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Coronavirus Travel Restrictions

Due to COVID-19, countries around the world have implemented strict travel restrictions or have closed their borders.

April 7, 2020
Coronavirus Travel Restrictions

A majority of countries have also halted the entry of asylum seekers.

Photo via Dipartimento Protezione Civile/Flickr.

2 min to read


Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, about 93% of the world's population lives in an area under some form restricted travel, according to Pew Research. 

Countries in the Schengen Zone (a coalition of 26 European countries that allow the unrestricted movement of people across borders) and the United States have advised against all non essential travel. A majority of countries have also halted the entry of asylum seekers.

Ad Loading...

Below is a summary list of travel restrictions by major countries:

  • Schengen Zone: all non-essential travel in the bloc is banned for at least 30 days. 

  • Australia: mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for all arrivals.

  • Brazil: ban on entry for non residents, in addition to the closure of land borders.

  • India: in-bound travel has been suspended unless arrivals are for the purpose of “diplomatic, official, U.N. or international organizations, employment, and project visas.”

  • Bahamas: entry of travelers who have recently traveled to China, Iran, Italy, Japan, South Korea, or Singapore is prohibited.

  • United States: Entry of residents of the Schengen Zone, the U.K., and Ireland is suspended; land border with Mexico closed and land border with Canada closed to everyone but healthcare workers.

  • Canada: ban on travel for sick travelers; ban on entry for most non-citizen and permanent residents (exceptions for some U.S/Mexico travel and healthcare workers).

  • China: banned entry for almost all foreigners.

  • Mexico: border with U.S. is now closed.

Click here to see Forbe's full list of travel restictions by country.

More Rental Operations

A tech collage of electronic devices against a computer chip blueprint map.
Rental OperationsMay 1, 2026

Why Car Rental Can No Longer Run On Workarounds

The shift from branch-based software to connected operations is turning rental technology into strategic infrastructure.

Read More →
A tech collage of electronic devices against a computer chip blueprint map.
Rental OperationsMay 1, 2026

Why Car Rental Can No Longer Run On Workarounds

The shift from branch-based software to connected operations is turning rental technology into strategic infrastructure.

Read More →
A black Audi SUV superimposed on a historic scene from downtown Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Carwiz Sets Up Rental Operations In Central Asia

The global franchise operation reaches a first in its rental fleet portfolio with new service in Uzbekistan.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A raging brushfire in the countryside.
Rental Operationsby Martin RomjueApril 30, 2026

Where Rental Fleets Must Adjust To Shifting Catastrophe Risks

West Coast disasters pose unique challenges and liabilities for rental fleet operators, who are advised to take steps tailored to their specific situations.

Read More →
ARN Industry Newsmakers thumbnail page with ARN and ICRS logos and shots of Nick DiPrima and Martin Romjue
Rental Operationsby Martin RomjueApril 27, 2026

Using AI To Find Rental Car Damage

Angry car renters are storming social media, the mainstream media, and online ratings platforms to complain about charges they claim are either unfounded or excessive.

Read More →
Photo of CEO Krešimir Dobrilović against a gray modernist crooked-tile mural display.

Carwiz Opens Car Rental Service In Panama

A Carwiz partner in Puerto Rico is taking on the Panama franchise with operations in the nation's largest airport.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A world map with Flexways logo and new locations headline.

Flexways Opens 10 Locations Among Franchise, Affiliate Rental Networks

The integrated business model combines each operator’s local expertise with international standards to boost sales.

Read More →
Photo of a suitcase, passport, and smartphone.

Traveler Customer Satisfaction Up This Year Data Study Shows

The study looks at customer analytics to size up performance in car rentals, rideshare, airlines, lodging, and OTAs.

Read More →
A rental car between two placards showing a symbolic revenue increase from $300 to $1600.

New Consulting Company Ready To Boost Point-of-Sale Revenue

Revcuity, an outgrowth of Frontline Performance Group, aims to help clients capture more revenue moments with face-to-face customers, including in the car rental space.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Martin Romjue stands at conference stage podium close to a dangling, glistening chandelier.
Rental Operationsby StaffApril 15, 2026

Meet The (Semi-New) ARN Editor

Martin Romjue has been editing and reporting for ARN since 2023 and fully transitioned to the role of chairman of the International Car Rental Show in 2026.

Read More →
Ad Loading...