TRAVEL & Recreation

Traveling and living in the Age of Pandemics

By Robere | Publisher | Style Editor

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(CNN) — Countries around the world have imposed sweeping travel bans and advisories to stem the spread of coronavirus within their borders and beyond.

President Donald Trump said Friday that non-essential travel across the US-Mexico border will be restricted.

The US State Department on Thursday raised its global travel warning to the highest level -- Level 4: Do Not Travel, advising citizens to avoid all international travel.

"In countries where commercial departure options remain available, US citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period," the advisory warns.

Canada and the US will close their border to non-essential travel, US President Donald Trump confirmed on Twitter Wednesday.

Non-essential travel to the European Union has been banned for 30 days, the European Council announced Tuesday. Repatriation of EU citizens, "where necessary and possible," will also be arranged, the council said.

The United Kingdom's Foreign Office has advised against all non-essential international travel for 30 days because travelers "now face widespread international border restrictions and lockdowns in various countries," UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said on Tuesday.

President Trump on Monday advised Americans to avoid groups of more than 10, to stay away from bars and restaurants and to avoid discretionary travel.

Many travelers returning to the United States from overseas over the weekend were met with long lines and confusion at airports where enhanced screening has been implemented for Americans and legal permanent residents returning in the wake of the Europe travel ban announced on March 11.

The ban bars US entry to foreign nationals who have visited much of Europe in the previous 14 days.

Flights have been drastically reduced and widespread closures of public areas are in effect. Italy and France are under lockdown, and the entire state of California is under a stay-at-home order.

The last sailings by many major cruise lines are wrapping up, following a suspension of cruise operations. Several cruise ships, some with confirmed cases of coronavirus on board, are stranded at sea.