Since March, when COVID-19 began to take a hold in the United States, there have been a variety of restrictions and bans on travel to and from the U.S., which has created a significant reduction in air traffic.
According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics at the Department of Transportation, air traffic was down 96% in April 2020 compared to April 2019.
Some of the strongest restrictions come from outside the United States, as many countries have yet to allow U.S. citizens to travel to their countries. As of August 25, U.S. citizens are prohibited from visiting countries in the European Union, as well as Canada, Australia, and most of Asia, Africa, and South America.
As for people looking to come to the United States, President Trump issued an executive order on April 22 suspending all immigration to the United States, with exceptions only for the spouses and children of U.S. citizens and for people wishing to enter the country to work in the health care field and aid in combating the coronavirus outbreak.
Exactly two months later, President Trump expanded these restrictions by blocking temporary visas for occupational-related reasons through the end of the year.
These restrictions, from both the United States and other countries, have made it difficult for regular international business travel to continue without complications.
We have been diligently working with our clients to ensure their national and international business travel can continue during this strange time. It is a priority for us to ensure that despite these challenges, our clients are able to continue essential business without putting the health and safety of others at risk.
If we can be of assistance to you or your company – or if you personally have questions or issues related to travel, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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