What to Do if You Are Stranded by the Travel Ban
Impacting Travel Janeen Christoff January 30, 2017
Donald Trump issued an executive order that banned visitors from select Middle Eastern countries entry into the United States and many people are wondering how the new procedures will affect them, especially if they are from one of the countries that is affected.
The ban prohibits citizens from Libya, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Somalia and Yemen from entering into the U.S.
There is still a lot of confusion on what the ban prohibits and who is allowed to enter — be it dual citizens, green card holders and the like. Court cases are beginning to rack up in our judicial system as well. Right now, travel agents are urging travelers to be cautious and informed.
“This past week there has been a lot of panic in the travel arena,” says Jill Petrowsky of PS Travel Company, a Cruise Planners Agency. “Travelers are concerned about where they can and cannot travel to and whether their family members will be able to return or leave.”
She advises people to stay informed in order to make the best decisions.
“Everyone has to stay up to date on every new event and order that happens. There is a lot of confusion right now,” says Petrowsky.
She also added that the travel ban has spooked people traveling to places that are not on the list but are at odds with the Trump administration.
“Because of the back and forth with Mexico and the U.S. several have canceled or rerouted their Mexico vacations as well,” says Petrowsky.
Margie Lenau of Wonderland Family Vacations advises that travelers should make sure they have their paperwork in order.
READ MORE: Stunned Travel Industry Reacts To Immigration Ban
“I wouldn't panic, just be sure everything is in order,” says Lenau. “Be sure that all of your papers, green card, passport, government-issued ID is current. Check with the airline before you leave the U.S. to be sure you can get back into the country. If you are delayed, travel insurance most likely will not cover this expense.”
Scott Kertes, president of Vacations by Design at Hartford Holidays also recommends being vigilant.
“My feeling has been that [President Trump] is very much in favor of exploiting peoples’ fears, and fears unfounded at the moment,” says Kertes. “The big thing is [Trump] caught the TSA and intelligence agencies that control the flow of people in and out of the country off-guard. In the short term that speaks to confusion.”
While it's a confusing time, that shouldn’t prevent travelers from leaving the U.S.
“My advice: Travel with a little bit of vigilance, have patience, have your documents in order,” says Kertes. “But I wouldn’t let it stop you from traveling. I’m in the vacation business; if you’re going to go on a trip, go on a trip.”
Right now, travel agents are getting informed to better help their clients.
“I will be educating my agents on how to handle these situations. I will also be talking to my clients about safety measures and maybe changing their destination and not canceling their trip,” says Tammy Levent, CEO, Elite Travel, Palm Harbor, Fla. “The worst thing that can happen at this time is Americans’ fear of traveling abroad. I personally think we need to stay united as a force in the travel industry and educate the consumer on safety. Consumers should also take more time, making them feel secure in their final decision on their destination.”
Lenau notes that travel agents can be a great resource and can be of great assistance.
“Talk with your travel agent about any concerns you may have,” says Lenau. “We can check for you and recommend what to do, including delay your travel plans and what those costs would be. All travel agents are watching this with great concern. I have not seen any problems with my clients.”
For those who are currently traveling and who think that they may be affected, travel agent Alex Dalton, of Travel With Alex, recommends getting in touch with an immigration attorney and the U.S. Embassy.
“The ink isn’t even dry on this yet and already it is being contested in court,” says Dalton. “Those caught mid-air should contact their local federal representative, either House or Senate. If they aren’t in-country and aren’t coming back for a few days then their first call should be to the local U.S. Embassy. Some might fear going but at least that way they’ll know firsthand if they should even step on the flight.”
Robin Amster contributed to this report.
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