COVID-19 Information for Americans Abroad
Many Americans abroad have found themselves unable to return home after their host countries began limiting domestic and international travel to contain the spread of coronavirus. On Thursday, March 19 the U.S. Department of State established a Repatriation Taskforce to ensure the safe return of Americans abroad.
If you or a loved one is abroad and is having difficulties returning home, here are some actions you can take to receive live updates and assistance from the State Department:
1)
Register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts from the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate and allow them to reach you with updates and information regarding travel.
2) Notify the State Department of your situation via the 24-hour hotline the Department has set up to help stranded American citizens:
- Callers located in U.S. and Canada: 1-888-407-4747
- Callers located overseas: 1-202-501-4444
If you are a constituent and require assistance with a consular matter,
please contact me via email or call my district office at (213) 481-1425. My office stands ready to help you if you’re experiencing an issue with the Department of State, or any other federal agency.
I am committed to ensuring the safe and timely return of all U.S. residents in my district, regardless of their immigration status, and encourage everyone to register for STEP and notify the State Department of their circumstances.
Below is a list of updates from several U.S. Embassies that are actively assisting our constituents in returning home:
- El Salvador
- Peru
Please be sure to check the Department’s COVID-19 Specific Country Information page for the most up-to-date information.
El Salvador
We are compiling a list of persons seeking to return to the United States. Please send your name and contact information to our email address, SanSalvadorUSCitizen@state.gov,so that we can contact you as soon as we have any updates. Due to high call volume, we recommend you utilize email and STEP.
Your email message should include the following information:
- Your full name as spelled in your passport.
- Information we can use to contact you now – a current phone number and email address.
- Your date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY).
- Your passport number, and its date of issuance and expiration. If it is not a U.S. passport, please note the country that issued it. Please also note any non-U.S. citizen immediate family members traveling with you.
- Please note your current location (city and department) and any special needs you may have, such as medical issues.
- Billing address in the United States.
- Emergency contact in the United States.
- Emergency contact phone number.
Commercial Transportation Options:
Eastern Airlines notified the U.S. Embassy they will offer a commercial flight from El Salvador to Houston, TX on Wednesday, March 25 and on Friday, March 27. Eastern Airlines is a private company and this flight is not arranged by the U.S. government. You can purchase a ticket by visiting https://goeasternair.com/. Please do not contact the Embassy to purchase a ticket.
Avianca Airlines notified the U.S. Embassy that it created an online signup page for travelers to express interest in flights departing from El Salvador to the United States. These are not guaranteed flights, but rather Avianca is compiling a list of individuals interested in returning to the United States. If you are interested, please respond immediately through the link. Please do not contact the Embassy to purchase a ticket.
The U.S. Embassy will continue to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens.
All travelers should be aware of the following:
Anyone with flu-like symptoms will not be allowed to board a flight. Travelers exhibiting flu-like symptoms should not come to the airport. These individuals should self-quarantine and seek medical attention if their symptoms worsen.
We strongly recommend U.S. citizens utilize a private taxi service (yellow cab) to transit to the airport. The Government of El Salvador has authorized the use of these taxi services during the nation-wide quarantine. We suggest travelers carry additional cash for their trip to cover any unexpected expenses.
Normal services at the airport are closed. Please take snacks, food, and water that you may need for your trip.
The U.S. Embassy in El Salvador will provide more information as it becomes available. For the most up-to-date information, go to: https://sv.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/.
Peru
U.S. Embassy Lima continues to provide emergency American Citizen Services. The U.S. Embassy is scheduling additional flights pending Peruvian government authorization.
Prior flights were booked with humanitarian priority individuals, including older adults, people with underlying health conditions, minors traveling without a parent or legal guardian, and other adults in need of medical assistance. Please do not travel to the airport until you have received an official communication from the U.S. Embassy with confirmed flight details.
To date, approximately 700 Americans departed Peru on these flights. Be advised that air traffic is limited to only repatriation travel, and travel for U.S. citizens facilitated through the U.S. government. Beware of scams. Up-to-date and credible information can be found on the U.S. Embassy’s website and Facebook page.
If you have not yet contacted us and are interested in an evacuation/repatriation flight, please e-mail LimaACS@state.gov with the subject line “Flight Registration: LAST NAME, FIRST NAME.”
In your e-mail please provide the following for each traveler:
- Full name
- U.S. Passport number
- Date of birth
- Gender
- E-mail address
- Phone number
- Current location and address
If you have already provided your information to LimaACS@state.gov or CuscoACS@state.gov, we will contact you with instructions once we have additional guidance. Please do not send repeat emails.
You will receive an e-mail from the Embassy once you are added to a flight manifest. Please note, flights are not free, but you will not be asked to pay up front. See here for more details on costs and the promissory note process.
Only confirmed passengers may board flights. If you do not receive an email confirming you are on the flight manifest, please do not go to the airport. U.S. citizens not in Lima or Cusco who are interested in charter flights should shelter in place until receiving flight information and transportation details from the Embassy. The Embassy is working with Peruvian authorities to ensure smooth transit for confirmed passengers within quarantine protocols. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) accompanying unaccompanied minors or those with medical conditions, as well as medical and health professionals working on the COVID19 worldwide response such as doctors and health professionals may be eligible for the charter flights.
The U.S. Embassy in Lima recommends U.S. citizens in Peru to adhere to all quarantine measures.
U.S. citizens not in Lima or Cusco who are interested in charter flights should shelter in place until receiving flight information and transportation details from the Embassy. The Embassy is working with Peruvian authorities to ensure smooth transit for confirmed passengers within quarantine protocols.
The Government of Peru is encouraging U.S. Citizens to register using the following link: iPeru through The Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (MINCETUR)
As this is a rapidly changing situation, please refer to the U.S. Embassy Peru’s website at https://pe.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/ for the most complete and up-to-date information.
