LAFAYETTE, LA – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) is working with the U.S. State Department (State) and other members of the Louisiana delegation to help return Americans who are stranded abroad due to COVID-19.
State is working with individual nation-states and international airlines to secure permits and transportation for Americans in need of travel back to the United States. To assist in these efforts, Americans stuck abroad should register through the State Department’s Smart Traveler Program (STEP). This enables travelers to receive alerts in real time and ensures State can locate them in the event of an emergency. Travelers can enroll in STEP here: https://step.state.gov/
Due to varying quarantine and lockdown policies globally, further protocol differs by country. State has published country-specific resources here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/COVID-19-Country-Specific-Information.html. Travelers should contact the embassy in their locale by phone or email to ensure that location information has been received.
Additionally, State is operating a 24/7 emergency hotline for Americans impacted by COVID-19. For callers in the U.S. and Canada, the number is 888-407-4747. For those dialing from overseas, the number is 202-501-4444.
Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:
“Our team is working around the clock to help those stranded abroad due to COVID-19. We have active cases for constituents in Peru, Honduras, and Guatemala. We’re coordinating with the State Department to ensure the safe and expeditious return of these Americans. My offices are at the avail of Louisiana citizens who may need assistance returning to the United States.”
