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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.

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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.

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