GBTA Statement on Revised Executive Order on Travel

Today, President Trump issued a revised executive order following the initial travel ban that came out on January 27, which was halted by court order. The revised order bans foreign nationals from Sudan, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia and Yemen who don’t have a valid visa from entering the United States for 90 days. It will go into effect on March 16.

Under the executive order:

• The 90-day period will allow for reviewing and establishing standards to prevent terrorists and criminals from entering United States, according to a fact sheet from the Administration.
• Iraq, which is omitted from ban, will increase cooperation with United States in vetting its citizens applying for travel visas to the United States.
• In the first 20 days, the Department of Homeland Security will review identity and security information each country gives to the U.S. government to support visa and immigration determinations; countries will then have 50 days to comply with U.S. requests.
• The order doesn’t apply to lawful permanent residents of United States or those with document that is valid on effective date of the order.

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the voice of the global business travel industry, issued the following statement in response.

“This travel ban is an improvement over the January 27^th version, as it is narrower in scope and provides greater clarity about those travelers who would not be subject to the ban,” said Michael W. McCormick, GBTA executive director and COO. “The specific exemption for legal permanent residents, dual nationals and current visa holders will help mitigate confusion for the international traveling public.”

“Any increased restrictions on passenger travel must be based in safety and security to ensure that the ability to travel is not impeded unnecessarily. It will remain a focus of the business travel industry to hold disruptions to a minimum, and we will continue to monitor the implementation of this ban closely.”

“GBTA is also currently polling its global membership to assess the impact on business travel of this revised executive order and will share this information as soon as it is available.”