State Dept. Issues 'Do Not Travel' Advisory To Hubei Province, China

Image: PHOTO: Yellow crane tower at sunset in Wuhan city. (Photo via Getty Images Plus / iStock / xijian)
Image: PHOTO: Yellow crane tower at sunset in Wuhan city. (Photo via Getty Images Plus / iStock / xijian)
Rich Thomaselli
by Rich Thomaselli
Last updated: 10:25 AM ET, Sat January 25, 2020

The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4, 'do not travel' advisory to Hubei Province, China, due to the coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, China.

Chinese authorities have already suspended air and rail travel in the area around Wuhan, and the State Dept. ordered the departure of all non-emergency U.S. personnel and their family members. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Hubei province.

The U.S. has expanded its screenings at domestic airports after two cases were confirmed.

Chinese authorities have imposed strict travel restrictions in the area around Wuhan. Travelers should be aware that the Chinese government could prevent them from entering or exiting parts of Hubei Province. Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice.

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a Warning Level 3 Alert (Avoid Nonessential Travel) due to an ongoing outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that can be spread from person to person.

If you've already traveled to Wuhan in the last 14 days and feel sick with a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, you should:

-Seek medical care right away. Before you go to a doctor's office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.

-Avoid contact with others.

-Not travel while sick.

-Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.

-Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Rich Thomaselli

Rich Thomaselli

Associate Writer

Editor Associate Writer true 9281 14744 Rich Thomaselli has written for TravelPulse since 2014 and has been a professional journalist for nearly 40 years. His work has appeared in USA Today, the New York Times and New York Yankees publications. He is an 11-time writ

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Worry-Free Access to the World - Part 3Monday, November 2, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for Worry-Free Access to the World, a webinar...
Watch Now!
Mexico for the Western Traveler Part 2: 2026Tuesday, October 29, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West and TravelPulse in the virtual studios for Discover Mexico for the...
Watch Now!
River Cruises PlusMonday, October 26, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, TravelPulse and leaders from top river cruise companies to get the...
Upcoming Webinar
Worry-Free Access to the World - Part 3Monday, November 2, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for Worry-Free Access to the World, a webinar...
Watch Now!
Mexico for the Western Traveler Part 2: 2026Tuesday, October 29, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West and TravelPulse in the virtual studios for Discover Mexico for the...
Watch Now!
River Cruises PlusMonday, October 26, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, TravelPulse and leaders from top river cruise companies to get the...