travel ban i 90

All Erie County travel bans have been lifted, travel advisory remains in place for entire county

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The travel bans that were put in place in Erie County on Wednesday due to the heavy lake effect snow were all lifted as of 8 a.m. Thursday.

Although the travel bans have been lifted, the entire county remains under a travel advisory until 7 p.m. Thursday.

The City of Buffalo is lifting its travel ban effective 8AM. All of Erie County will now be under a travel advisory, as lake effect snow will continue through 7PM today. NYS will be evaluating the commercial driving ban on the 90 later this morning. pic.twitter.com/bBRNSsseQZ — Mark Poloncarz (@markpoloncarz) January 18, 2024

The travel ban that was in place for the City of North Tonawanda was lifted at 8 p.m. on Wednesday. A travel advisory will remain in place until noon Thursday.

The New York State Thruway lifted the commercial vehicle driving ban on the I-90 at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday.

Route 219 also reopened on Thursday morning.

An On-Street Parking Ban remains in effect in the Village of Blasdell until Saturday morning.

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'This is going to be a dangerous storm.' Travel bans issued ahead of winter storm

Due to the weekend storm, Gov. Kathy Hochul has issued a full travel ban across Erie County beginning at 9 p.m. Saturday.

In addition, all commercial traffic will be banned on the New York State Thruway between exit 46 (Henrietta) and the Pennsylvania State Line.

Bot travel bans will be in effect until further notice.

"This is going to be a dangerous storm," Hochul said at a noon press conference on Saturday.

Winter storm warning issued for western New York

A winter storm warning has been issued for parts of western New York, including Erie, Genesee, Wyoming, Niagara, and Orleans counties, from Saturday afternoon through Monday morning.

Heavy lake effect snow, reaching 1 to 3 feet in some areas, along with strong winds up to 65 mph, is expected.

The National Weather Service in Buffalo warns of significant blowing and drifting snow, leading to difficult to impossible travel conditions over the weekend.

A high wind warning is also in effect for Rochester and parts of western and central New York, with gusts up to 50-65 mph expected through Saturday night.

Buffalo Bills vs. Pittsburgh Steelers playoff game postponed

The NFL, Buffalo Bills, New York State, and Erie County officials on Saturday postponed the AFC wild-card game between the Buffalo Bills and the Pittsburgh Steelers to Monday at 4:30 p.m. due to the forecasted dangerous weather in Buffalo. The was scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m.

C ontact Robert Bell at: [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter: @byrobbell & Instagram:  @ byrobbell. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers.

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Winter weather warning: Update on travel bans

3RD UPDATE: Just before 8 a.m., Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz tweeted , “Effective immediately, the travel ban has been lifted in the Town and Village of Lancaster. At 9am, the ban will be lifted in the Town of Cheektowaga and Villages of Sloan and Depew. We are in contact with the City of Lackawanna and will have updates soon.”

••••••••

2ND UPDATE: BAN LIFTED

• COMMERCIAL VEHICLE BAN LIFTED : The full commercial vehicle ban has been lifted on the New York State Thruway between Exit 46 and the Pennsylvania state line (I-90) in both directions, as well as the entire length of the (I-190) Niagara section.

•Statement from Gov. Kathy Hochul, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown

“Over the last 24 hours, we have seen dangerous, rapidly shifting conditions across Erie County. Our forecasts predict the City of Buffalo and eastern suburbs will receive an additional foot of snow tonight. To address these extreme conditions, we will be extending all current travel bans and advisories until 6 a.m. tomorrow morning. At that time, restrictions will be lifted everywhere in the City of Buffalo, most of Erie County, all state roads and the New York State Thruway. A full travel ban will continue in the City of Lackawanna and the towns of Cheektowaga and Lancaster, which will be hardest hit overnight, but will be reevaluated after 6 a.m. We are grateful to the plow drivers, emergency personnel and first responders working to keep our communities safe.”

UPDATE: Hochul updates New Yorkers on extreme weather, travel bans

√ Grand Island, Tonawanda, Amherst, Clarence and Newstead reopen to vehicle traffic

√ Travel ban remains in place in Central Erie County and many south towns; commercial vehicles also banned on New York State Thruway between Exit 46 and Pennsylvania state line 

√ New Yorkers should continue to stay off the roads and avoid unnecessary travel

Gov. Kathy Hochul and local authorities today announced that full travel ban for passenger and commercial vehicles in Erie County will be lifted in Grand Island, Tonawanda, Amherst, Clarence and Newstead at 3:30 p.m. Central Erie County and many south towns will remain under a full travel ban until further notice, and the thruway remains closed to commercial traffic between Exit 46 and the Pennsylvania state line.

Drivers are advised to stay off the roads and avoid unnecessary travel.

“Our crews have been working around the clock to keep the roads clear and New Yorkers safe, and I am grateful that the vast majority of New Yorkers heeded our ban and stayed off the road,” Hochul said. “As conditions are improving in the north towns, we are lifting the travel ban there, but if you do not have to travel today, stay home and let our crews continue to work. If you are in central Erie County and much of the south towns, continue to stay home.”

New Yorkers in Western New York are being urged to stay home throughout the duration of the storm. Travel in impacted areas could be dangerous at times throughout the evening due to life-threatening blizzard-like conditions. New Yorkers are also encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts by subscribing to NY Alert at https://alert.ny.gov , a free service providing critical emergency information to your cell phone or computer.

Currently, there are 25,569 outages statewide, including 18,518 outages in the Mid-Hudson region, 90 in Western New York and 42 in the North Country. Utility crews have kept up with the level of power outages incurred to date, and remain on standby to restore any additional power outages if and when they occur.

On Friday, Hochul declared a state of emergency to warn and prepare New Yorkers for potentially dangerous and life-threatening weather forecasted to impact communities along Lake Erie and Lake Ontario with blizzard-like conditions. The state of emergency remains in effect and applies to the following counties: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Ontario, Orleans, Oswego and Wyoming.

Earlier this morning, the travel ban was lifted in the towns of Collins, North Collins, Concord, Sardinia, Colden and Holland, as well as in the villages of North Collins and Springville.

Warming Shelters

New York state continues to operate warming shelters with cots, pillows and blankets, as well as mental health counselors at each site for assistance with using facilities. New York National Guard and the New York state incident management team are operating sites at:

√ Erie Community College (South Campus), 4041 Southwestern Blvd., Buffalo

√ Windom Elementary School, 3870 Sheldon Road, Orchard Park

√ Orchard Park Middle School, 60 South Lincoln Ave.

The City of Buffalo has also opened warming shelters. More information can be found here . New York state has provided water and MREs for both state and city warming shelters.

√ Potentially life-threatening blizzard conditions impact Western New York

√ Full travel ban in effect for passenger vehicles in Erie Country beginning at 9 p.m. Saturday and reassessed at 6 a.m. Sunday, Allowing Plows to Clear Roads Safely Overnight

√ Full travel ban for commercial vehicles on all state, county and local roads in Erie County and on the New York State Thruway between Exit 46 & Pennsylvania state line also beginning at 9 p.m. Saturday through duration of storm

√ New Yorkers can subscribe for emergency alerts  here

Submitted by the Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul

Gov. Kathy Hochul and local authorities on Saturday announced a full travel ban for passenger vehicles will be in effect for all of Erie County beginning at 9 p.m. Saturday to give plow crews time and space to clear roads during the overnight hours.

This ban will be reassessed at 6 a.m. on Sunday.

Additionally, all commercial traffic will be banned on all state, county and local roads in Erie County and on the New York State Thruway between Exit 46 and the Pennsylvania state line beginning at 9 p.m. Saturday, as well. This ban will remain in effect indefinitely.

"Forecasts predict the most dangerous winter storm conditions since the Christmas Blizzard of 2022," Hochul said. "Working closely with county and city leaders, we are instituting a 9 p.m. travel ban that takes effect tonight to keep motorists safe."

New Yorkers in Western New York are being urged to stay home throughout the duration of the storm. Travel in impacted areas will be impossible and dangerous at times throughout the weekend due to life-threatening blizzard-like conditions.

After consulting with state officials, the NFL has decided to postpone the Bills-Steelers playoff game until 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 15. 

New Yorkers are also encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts by subscribing to NY Alert at  https://alert.ny.gov , a free service providing critical emergency information to your cell phone or computer.

A widespread 1 to 2 feet of heavy lake-effect snow is forecast to impact areas near Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, including the cities of Buffalo and Watertown, with isolated, higher amounts possible, and snowfall rates reaching 3 inches per hour at times starting Saturday night and continuing through Sunday morning.

Winds will be strong in parts of Western New York with gusts up to 65 mph Saturday night and sustained winds of up to 40 mph on all day Sunday, while areas near Lake Ontario, including Jefferson, Lewis and Oswego counties, will see winds gusting as high as 50 mph through Monday.

Potentially life-threatening conditions are expected including damaging winds, heavy lake-effect snow, and frigid wind chills in the single digits starting Saturday night and continuing through to the middle of the week.

For a complete listing of weather alerts and forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website at  https://alerts.weather.gov.

On Friday, Hochul declared a state of emergency to warn and prepare New Yorkers for potentially dangerous and life-threatening weather forecasted to impact communities along Lake Erie and Lake Ontario with blizzard-like conditions. The state of emergency applies to the following counties: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Ontario, Orleans, Oswego and Wyoming.

Metro Creative Graphics

Travel Ban for Empty Trucks/Trailers and All Tandem Trucks

The current ban on all empty trucks/trailers and all tandem trucks remains in effect on the following routes:

•Thruway:

√ I-90 Exit 46 – state of Pennsylvania line

√ I-190 (south of the North Grand Island Bridge)

•NYSDOT:

√ Buffalo Skyway (NY 5)

√ U.S. 219

√ NY 400

√ I-190 (North of the North Grand Island Bridge)

√ I-290

√ I-990

√ Kensington Expressway (NY 33)

√ I-86 in Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties

At 5 p.m. today, New York state will open and will operate warming shelters with cots, pillows and blankets, as well as mental health counselors at each site for assistance with using facilities.

New York National Guard and the New York State Incident Management Team will operate the sites at:

√ Erie Community College (South Campus), 121 Ellicott St., Buffalo

The City of Buffalo will open shelters in the city this afternoon – more information here .

New York state will provide water and MREs for both state and city warming shelters.

Search and Rescue

New York has surged additional search and rescue resources to Western New York in response to this storm including:

• 33 state-tracked vehicles
• 25 military vehicles

Additional resources are staged outside the storm area ready to deploy, if needed, and the state is coordinating with the county to engage the snowmobile clubs for additional assistance, as well.

Agency Activities

•New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services has activated the state’s emergency operations center in Albany to coordinate the state's response throughout the severe weather event. The Office of Emergency Management is in contact with local counterparts and is prepared to facilitate requests for assistance, and state stockpiles are staffed and ready to deploy emergency response assets and shelter supplies as needed.

The state fire mobilization and mutual aid plan is activated and the state Office of Fire Prevention and Control has 24 personnel and various types of emergency response vehicles staged at the Buffalo Airport. The New York State Incident Management Team was deployed to Western New York in advance of the storm to assist with emergency management-related tasks.

•The New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs is mobilizing 100 soldiers and airmen with 25 vehicles from the New York National Guard to provide general support to Western New York.

•The New York State Department of Transportation is actively responding to this statewide weather event with more than 3,700 operators and supervisors available statewide. Staff can be configured into any type of response crews that are needed (flood response, chipper, load and haul, sewer jet, cut and toss, traffic signal, etc.). All residencies in impacted locations will remain staffed for 24/7 operations with operators, supervisors and mechanics throughout the duration of the event and priority cleanup operations.

In addition to existing resources, the NYS DOT has deployed 74 staff, including 54 additional operators, 11 supervisors, six equipment trainers, two Incident command support specialists and one safety representative, to Western New York, along with 25 large snowplows, three large snowblowers, two loaders and a grader. Additionally, four traffic signal technicians are being deployed to the Finger Lakes region.

Statewide assets are as follows:

• 1,599 large plows
• 337 loaders
• 148 medium plows
• 82 wheeled and tracked excavators
• 52 tow plows
• 37 snowblowers
• 32 traffic signal trucks
• 23 pickup trucks with plows
• 13 tree crew bucket trucks

For real-time travel information, motorists should call 511 or visit https://www.511ny.org or the mobile site at m.511ny.org , New York state's official traffic and travel information source.

•The Thruway Authority is ready to respond to the lake-effect winter storm in Western New York with more than 700 operators and supervisors available statewide. The agency is shifting additional staff and snow fighting equipment from the Syracuse, Albany and New York divisions to support snow and ice operations in Western New York throughout the weekend.

Staff is currently monitoring the storm track, and additional operators and equipment are on standby and will be deployed if conditions warrant.

Statewide equipment numbers and resources are listed below:

• 364 large and medium-duty plow trucks
• 10 tow plows
• Approximately 120,000 tons of salt on hand

Variable message signs and social media are utilized to alert motorists of winter weather conditions on the thruway.

The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its  mobile app , which is available for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to real-time traffic information, live traffic cameras, and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for  TRANSalert emails and follow @ThruwayTraffic on X for the latest traffic conditions along the thruway.

•Department of Public Service: Electric utility companies regulated by the Department of Public Service will have approximately 11,000 workers available statewide to engage in response, repair and restoration efforts for this weekend’s winter weather event. Below is a breakdown of utility internal workers and external contract workers secured for this latest winter weather event.

√ Con Edison: 750 workers, including 100 external contract line workers for its Bronx/Westchester operating division

√ Orange & Rockland: 270 workers

√ NYSEG/RG&E: 4,358 total workers, including secured/maintained 2,630 external line workers and 436 external tree workers

√ National Grid: 4,362 total workers, including secured/maintained 2,069 external line workers and 382 external tree workers.

√ PSEGLI: 1,134 workers

√ Central Hudson: 135 workers

The utilities’ emergency response plans remain activated and will be reactivating their incident command structures to track response, damage assessment, repair, and restoration efforts throughout the event. DPS staff will track utilities' work throughout the event and ensure utility companies shift appropriate staffing to regions that experience the greatest impact. If your service is interrupted, visit the DPS utility service interruptions website for tips.

•The New York State Police continues to monitor weather conditions and is deploying additional troopers to impacted areas as needed. All State Police four-wheel drive and specialized vehicles, including snowmobiles, airboats and utility-terrain vehicles, are staged, and necessary equipment is being utilized for immediate response, as needed. All emergency power and communications equipment are functioning appropriately.

•New York State Department of Environmental Conservation emergency management staff, environmental conservation police officers, forest rangers and regional staff remain on alert and continue to monitor the developing situation and weather forecasts. DEC is coordinating resource deployment with agency partners and all available assets to targeted areas in preparation for potential impacts due to rain snow, and high winds, including swift water rescue teams and sawyers.

DEC reminds those responsible for the removal and disposal of snow to follow best management practices to help prevent flooding and reduce the potential for pollutants like salt, sand, oils, trash and other debris in snow from affecting water quality. Disposal of snow in local creeks and streams can create ice dams, which may cause flooding in nearby areas. Public and private snow removal operators should be aware of these safety issues during and after winter storms. Additional information is available at https://extapps.dec.ny.gov/docs/water_pdf/togs5111new.pdf .

•New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Park Police and park personnel are on alert and closely monitoring weather conditions and impacts. Response equipment is being fueled, tested and prepared for storm response use. State Parks has sawyer crews in Western New York and the North Country on standby for deployment for potential road clearing operations.

Bills Game Postponed

Sunday’s Buffalo Bills-Pittsburgh Steelers Wild Card game moved to 4:30 p.m. Monday

National Football League Press Release

Due to public safety concerns in light of the ongoing weather emergency in Western New York, Sunday's Buffalo Bills-Pittsburgh Steelers game has been rescheduled to Monday at 4:30 p.m. ET and will be televised by CBS (WIVB-TV Channel 4).

The decision to move the game to Monday was made in consultation with New York Gov. Kathy Hochul in the best interest of public safety, and with the Buffalo Bills and the Pittsburgh Steelers, as the region prepares for the storm.

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News 4 Buffalo

Driving bans issued; Here are the major highways currently closed

by: Evan Anstey

Posted: Dec 22, 2022 / 07:40 AM EST

Updated: Dec 27, 2022 / 04:01 PM EST

This story has been updated to reflect the latest travel restrictions .

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Travel bans are currently in effect in Erie, Niagara and Genesee counties.

In addition to the countywide bans, a number of local municipalities also announced travel advisories and bans , which began at different times.

Starting Friday at 6 a.m., all commercial traffic was banned on I-90 from the Pennsylvania line to exit 46 (Rochester I-390), Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Thursday night ahead of the impending snowstorm .

The ban on all commercial vehicles also includes nearly all of I-190, from the I-90 to exit 22 (Route 62) in Niagara Falls.

The ban will remain in effect until further notice.

The following roads are closed:

• I-90 (Exits 46 to 61)
• U.S. Route 219
• NY Route 400
• NY Route 5 (Big Tree Road to downtown Buffalo)
• Niagara Scenic Parkway (John B. Daly to LaSalle Expressway)
• Route 93 (Route 5 to Tonawanda Creek Road)
• Lewiston Queenston, Rainbow and Peace bridges into the U.S.

A series of blizzard and winter storm warnings took effect across much of western New York Friday morning at 7 a.m. For the latest weather alerts and updates, click/tap here .

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Evan Anstey is an Associated Press Award, JANY Award and Emmy-nominated digital producer who has been part of the  News 4  team since 2015.  See more of his work here  and  follow him on Twitter .

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State Police announce travel ban on I-90 into Erie County

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Press release:

On Saturday, Jan. 13, a travel ban for Erie County and the I-90 has been issued due to the severe winter weather forecasted to impact Western New York through Sunday. The driving ban begins on Saturday, Jan. 13 at 9 p.m. Anyone on the road that is not considered emergency personnel will be ticketed in Erie County and the I-90. The ban will be active till Sunday, Jan. 14 at 6 a.m. Depending on the storm on Sunday, the ban may be extended. A travel advisory for the entire area of Western New York remains in effect. Additionally, there is a ban on Trucks/tractor trailer traffic on the I-90 from Exit 46 in the Rochester/Henrietta to the Pennsylvania border. The Buffalo Bills game has been rescheduled to Monday, Jan. 15 at 4:30 p.m. Troopers will be out checking all major routes of travel to ensure that motorists are as safe as possible and working with local Emergency Operations Centers as needed.  The State Police need your assistance to make this possible.  Motorists traveling in areas impacted by the snow and ice are asked to leave with extra time to make a slow and careful drive to your destination. Consider the snow accumulation on the roads, the current snowfall rate, the wind, and visibility.  Use your best judgment to determine if driving is prudent.   Keep the following tips in mind: •    Get the latest weather forecast before leaving with your local weather apps, monitor radio or TV stations. •    Always clean your windows and mirrors FULLY of any snow and ice before driving. •    Keep a full tank of gas •    Fluid levels are sufficient ( windshield washer fluid, ant-freeze) •    Spare tire is sufficient and you have the jack and wheel wrench •    Use headlights at all times to increase your visibility to others.  Remember, if your windshield wipers are in use due to weather, then your headlights must be on. •    Drive prudently.  If the conditions are adverse, you should decrease your speed accordingly. •    Brake early  •    Do NOT use cruise control.  This decreases your reaction time to apply braking. •    Look out for events farther down the road.  Creating more time to react can make a difference. •    Be aware of maintenance vehicles and emergency vehicles.  Give them room to work.  •    If you do not absolutely have to go out on the roads, then don’t. If you do go out, is your vehicle prepared? Is your trunk supplied to help you to be safe in case you are stopped or stranded in an area without assistance readily available: Gloves, blankets, warmers, tool kit, first-aid kit, non-perishable foods, water, working flashlight and batteries, cell phone charger, etc Shovel, ice scraper, de-icer, snow brush, rock salt or cat litter, tow chain or cable, jumper cables or battery charger, etc. If you are involved in a collision or leave the roadway: If you drive off the roadway and are stuck in a snow bank or ditch, stay in your vehicle and call 911.  DO NOT exit your vehicle unless it is an absolute emergency.  You put yourself at risk of being struck by another vehicle. Roll your windows down a few inches or turn your vehicle off if you are stranded in snow for a period of time with your vehicle running. Covered mufflers can cause serious physical injury or death due to inhalation of carbon monoxide. If you should become stranded on the Thruway or any Roadway, know your location by being aware of your direction and mile post marker.  This will help emergency personnel reach your location as quickly as possible.   The Thruway Authority provides a wide variety of information for travelers, including current traffic conditions, accidents, and lane closures.  Visit www.thruway.ny.gov for more information.   Slow down.  Be prepared.  Be safe.  

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RochesterFirst

Commercial vehicle ban lifted after winter storm

by: George Gandy

Posted: Jan 17, 2024 / 07:25 AM EST

Updated: Jan 18, 2024 / 09:08 AM EST

UPDATE (1/18/2024) : The New York State Thruway Authority posted on social media that the commercial vehicle ban on the NYS Thruway west of Rochester was lifted at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday morning.

ORIGINAL STORY:

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — A ban on commercial vehicles is now in effect on the New York State Thruway in Western New York.

According to the Thruway Authority, the ban stretches on I-90 from Exit 46 near Rochester to the Pennsylvania State Line. These apply to both directions. Crews are working in the Western New York region to clear snow off the roads.

The most recent travel ban happened a few days ago when a winter storm impacted much of Western New York, especially the Buffalo area. A ban on passenger and commercial vehicles was in effect for much of the Erie County area.

Still, for much of the region that the ban didn’t reach, those drivers were still encouraged to stay off the road due to near-zero visibility and potentially life-threatening weather conditions.

The Thruway Authority has not yet banned passenger vehicles currently. The ban on commercial vehicles won’t be lifted until further notice.

Stay with News 8 WROC as we continue to update this developing story.

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Mass Pike speed restriction and travel ban during winter storm

by: Ashley Shook

Posted: Feb 4, 2022 / 10:47 AM EST

Updated: Feb 4, 2022 / 10:47 AM EST

( WWLP ) –  The speed limit on I-90 has been reduced due to weather conditions Friday.

According to MassDOT, the speed limit has been reduced to 40 MPH from the NY border to Logan Airport in Boston. A travel ban is also in place for tractor trailers, tandem trucks, & special permit vehicle on I-90.

Map: Mass Pike in Chicopee

A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for Franklin, western Hampshire and northern Berkshire Counties until 7 p.m. Friday for accumulating snow, sleet, and ice.

A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for Hampden, eastern Hampshire and southern Berkshire Counties until 7 p.m. Friday for light snow/sleet accumulations and ice that may lead to slippery conditions.

The freezing rain and sleet will continue into the early afternoon. The icy mix will taper to scattered snow and sleet showers by 3pm. Snow and sleet  accumulations  will be less than 2 inches for most of us. Up to a quarter inch of ice is possible. Friday’s high temperatures will happen early in the morning and then will continue to fall into the 20s throughout the day.

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Security Alert May 17, 2024

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China Travel Advisory

Travel advisory april 12, 2024, mainland china, hong kong & macau - see summaries.

Updated due to new national security legislation in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Summary:  Reconsider travel to Mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including in relation to exit bans, and the risk of wrongful detentions.

Exercise increased caution when traveling to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws .

Reconsider travel to the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services . Exercise increased caution when traveling to the Macau SAR due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws .

See specific risks and conditions in each jurisdiction . 

Mainland China – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws , including in relation to exit bans, and the risk of wrongful detentions .

Summary:  The People’s Republic of China (PRC) government arbitrarily enforces local laws, including issuing exit bans on U.S. citizens and citizens of other countries, without fair and transparent process under the law.

The Department of State has determined the risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals by the PRC government exists in the PRC.

U.S. citizens traveling or residing in the PRC may be detained without access to U.S. consular services or information about their alleged crime. U.S. citizens in the PRC may be subjected to interrogations and detention without fair and transparent treatment under the law.

Foreigners in the PRC, including but not limited to businesspeople, former foreign-government personnel, academics, relatives of PRC citizens involved in legal disputes, and journalists have been interrogated and detained by PRC officials for alleged violations of PRC national security laws. The PRC has also interrogated, detained, and expelled U.S. citizens living and working in the PRC.

PRC authorities appear to have broad discretion to deem a wide range of documents, data, statistics, or materials as state secrets and to detain and prosecute foreign nationals for alleged espionage. There is increased official scrutiny of U.S. and third-country firms, such as professional service and due diligence companies, operating in the PRC. Security personnel could detain U.S. citizens or subject them to prosecution for conducting research or accessing publicly available material inside the PRC.

Security personnel could detain and/or deport U.S. citizens for sending private electronic messages critical of the PRC, Hong Kong SAR, or Macau SAR governments.

In addition, the PRC government has used restrictions on travel or departure from the PRC, or so-called exit bans, to:

• compel individuals to participate in PRC government investigations;
• pressure family members of the restricted individual to return to the PRC from abroad;
• resolve civil disputes in favor of PRC citizens; and
• gain bargaining leverage over foreign governments.

U.S. citizens might only become aware of an exit ban when they attempt to depart the PRC, and there may be no available legal process to contest an exit ban in a court of law. Relatives, including minor children, of those under investigation in the PRC may become subject to an exit ban.

The PRC government does not recognize dual nationality. Dual U.S.-PRC citizens and U.S. citizens of Chinese descent may be subject to additional scrutiny and harassment. If you are a U.S. citizen and choose to enter Mainland China on travel documents other than a U.S. passport and are detained or arrested, the PRC government may not notify the U.S. Embassy or the U.S. Consulates General or allow consular access.

Check with the PRC Embassy in the United States for the most updated information on travel to the PRC. In some limited circumstances travelers to Mainland China may face additional COVID-19 testing requirements to enter some facilities or events.

The Department of State does not provide or coordinate direct medical care to private U.S. citizens abroad. U.S. citizens overseas may receive PRC-approved COVID-19 vaccine doses where they are eligible.

Do not consume drugs in the PRC or prior to arriving in the PRC. A positive drug test, even if the drug was legal elsewhere, can lead to immediate detention, fines, deportation, and/or a ban from re-entering the PRC. PRC authorities may compel cooperation with blood, urine, or hair testing. Penalties for drug offense may exceed penalties imposed in the United States.

Demonstrations : Participating in demonstrations or any other activities that authorities interpret as constituting an act of secession, subversion, terrorism, or collusion with a foreign country could result in criminal charges. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid demonstrations.

XINJIANG UYGHUR AUTONOMOUS REGION, TIBET AUTONOMOUS REGION, and TIBETAN AUTONOMOUS PREFECTURES

Extra security measures, such as security checks and increased levels of police presence and surveillance, are common in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Tibet Autonomous Region, and Tibetan Autonomous Prefectures. Authorities may impose curfews and travel restrictions on short notice.

If you decide to travel to Mainland China:

• Enter the PRC on your U.S. passport with a valid PRC visa and keep it with you.
• Read the travel information page for Mainland China .
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Avoid demonstrations.
• Exercise caution in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.
• Avoid taking photographs of protesters or police without permission.
• Keep a low profile.
• If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify U.S. Embassy Beijing or the nearest U.S. Consulate General immediately.
• Review the  China Country Security Report  from the Overseas Security Advisory Council.
• Do not consume drugs in the PRC or prior to arriving in the PRC.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter . Follow U.S. Embassy Beijing on  Twitter ,  WeChat , and  Weibo .
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to the PRC.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.
• Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws .

Summary: Hong Kong SAR authorities have dramatically restricted civil liberties since the Government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) imposed the Law of the PRC on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong SAR on June 30, 2020. Following the Hong Kong SAR government’s enactment of its own Safeguarding National Security Ordinance on March 23, 2024, Hong Kong SAR authorities are expected to take additional actions to further restrict civil liberties.

The 2020 National Security Law outlines a broad range of vaguely defined offenses, such as acts of secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign entities. The 2024 Safeguarding National Security Ordinance builds on this framework with additional vaguely defined offenses, such as treason, insurrection, theft of state secrets, sabotage against public infrastructure, and external interference. According to the legislation, these offenses are applicable to foreign nationals within the Hong Kong SAR and to individuals, including U.S. citizens and permanent residents, located outside its borders. Under these provisions, anyone who criticizes the PRC and/or Hong Kong SAR authorities may face arrest, detention, expulsion, and/or prosecution. Hong Kong SAR authorities are attempting to enforce these provisions against individuals, including U.S. citizens and permanent residents, residing outside of their jurisdiction by offering cash rewards for information leading to their arrests in the Hong Kong SAR.

Dual Nationality: The Hong Kong SAR government does not recognize dual nationality. Dual U.S.-PRC citizens and U.S. citizens of Chinese descent may be subject to additional scrutiny and harassment. If you are a dual U.S.-PRC citizen and enter Hong Kong SAR on a U.S. passport, and you are detained or arrested, PRC authorities are under an obligation to notify the U.S. Embassy or a U.S. Consulate General of your detention and to allow U.S. consular officials to have access to you. In practice, however, U.S. consular officers may be prevented from providing consular assistance, even to those who have entered on their U.S. passports. For more information, visit Consular Protection and Right of Abode in HK(SAR) for Dual Nationals - U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau .

Demonstrations : Participating in demonstrations or any other activities that authorities interpret as constituting an act of secession, subversion, terrorism, or collusion with a foreign country could result in criminal charges under the 2020 National Security Law and/or the 2024 Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid demonstrations.

If you decide to travel to the Hong Kong SAR:

• Enter the Hong Kong SAR on your U.S. passport and keep it with you.
• Read the travel information page for the Hong Kong SAR .
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau immediately.
• Review the China Country Security Report from the Overseas Security Advisory Council.
• Do not consume drugs in the Hong Kong SAR or prior to arriving in the Hong Kong SAR.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter . Follow U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to the Hong Kong SAR.
• Monitor local media, local transportations sites, and apps like  MTR Mobile  or  Citybus  for updates.

Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services. Exercise increased caution due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.

Summary:  The U.S. government has a limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Macau SAR due to People’s Republic of China (PRC) Ministry of Foreign Affairs travel restrictions on U.S. diplomatic personnel.

Even in an emergency, the PRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs requires all U.S. diplomatic personnel, including those accredited to the Macau SAR, to apply for and receive visas before entering the Macau SAR. Approval takes at least five to seven days, significantly limiting the U.S. government’s ability to offer timely consular services in the Macau SAR.

Dual Nationality: The Macau SAR government does not recognize dual nationality. Dual U.S.-PRC citizens and U.S. citizens of Chinese descent may be subject to additional scrutiny and harassment. If you are a dual U.S.-PRC citizen and enter the Macau SAR on a U.S. passport, and you are detained or arrested, PRC authorities are under an obligation to notify the U.S. Embassy or a U.S. Consulate General of your detention and to allow U.S. consular officials to have access to you. In practice, however, U.S. consular officers may be prevented from providing consular assistance, even to those who have entered on their U.S. passports. For more information, visit Consular Protection and Right of Abode in HK(SAR) for Dual Nationals - U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau .

Demonstrations : Participating in demonstrations or any other activities that authorities interpret as constituting an act of secession, subversion, terrorism, or collusion with a foreign country could result in criminal charges. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid demonstrations.

If you decide to travel to the Macau SAR:

• Enter the Macau SAR on your U.S. passport and keep it with you.
• Read the travel information page for the Macau SAR .
• If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify Review the China Country Security Report from the Overseas Security Advisory Council.
• Do not consume drugs in the Macau SAR or prior to arriving in the Macau SAR.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter . Follow U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to the Macau SAR.
• Monitor local media and the Macau Government Tourism Office website for updates.
• Review your flight status with your airline or at the Macau International Airport website.

Travel Advisory Levels

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• Fact Sheets

Fact Sheet: Presidential Proclamation to Suspend and Limit Entry and Joint DHS-DOJ Interim Final Rule to Restrict Asylum During High Encounters at the Southern Border

Today, the Biden-Harris Administration took decisive new action to strengthen border security, announcing a series of measures that restrict asylum eligibility, and significantly increase the consequences for those who enter without authorization across the southern border. These extraordinary steps, which will be in effect during times when high levels of encounters exceed our ability to deliver timely consequences, will make noncitizens who enter across the southern border ineligible for asylum with certain exceptions, raise the standard that is used to screen for certain protection claims, and speed up our ability to quickly remove those who do not qualify for protection.

These actions follow a series of steps that the Administration has taken over the past three years as it prepared for the end of the Title 42 public health Order, and since it was lifted last year, including surging personnel, infrastructure, and technology to the border, issuing the Circumvention of Lawful Pathways Rule, and referring record numbers of noncitizens into expedited removal. Over the past year, we have removed or returned more than three quarters of a million people, more than in any fiscal year since 2010. Despite these efforts, our outdated and broken immigration and asylum system, coupled with a lack of sufficient funding, make it impossible to quickly impose consequences on all noncitizens who cross irregularly and without a legal basis to remain in the United States.

The Administration has repeatedly called on Congress to provide the resources and legal authorities needed to secure our border. The measures announced today will better enable the Department to quickly remove individuals without a legal basis to remain in the United States, strengthening enforcement and change the calculus for those considering crossing our border irregularly. However, they are no substitute for Congressional action. We continue to call on Congress to provide the new tools and resources we have asked for to support the men and women on the frontlines.

President Biden issued a Presidential Proclamation to temporarily suspend the entry of noncitizens across the southern border. The Secretary of Homeland Security and the Attorney General also jointly issued an interim final rule that, consistent with the Proclamation, generally restricts asylum eligibility for those who irregularly enter across the southern border – including the Southwest land and the southern coastal borders. The rule also limits fear screenings to those who manifest a fear or express a desire to file for protection and heightens the screening standard for statutory withholding and claims under the Convention Against Torture. Taken together, these measures will significantly increase the speed and scope of consequences for those who cross our borders irregularly or who attempt to present themselves at Ports of Entry without authorization, allowing the Departments to more quickly remove individuals who do not establish a legal basis to remain in the United States. The restriction on asylum eligibility will be discontinued when encounters fall below certain levels but will come back into effect if encounters rise again.

The rule makes three key changes to current processing under Title 8 immigration authorities during periods of high border encounters:

• First, noncitizens who cross the southern border unlawfully or without authorization will generally be ineligible for asylum, absent exceptionally compelling circumstances and unless they are excepted by the Proclamation.
• Second, noncitizens who cross the southern border and are processed for expedited removal while the limitation is in effect will only be referred for a credible fear screening with an Asylum Officer if they manifest or express a fear of return to their country or country of removal, a fear of persecution or torture, or an intention to apply for asylum.  
• Third, the U.S. will continue to adhere to its international obligations and commitments by screening individuals who manifest a fear as noted above and do not qualify for an exception to the Rule for withholding of removal and Convention Against Torture protections at a reasonable probability of persecution or torture standard – a new, substantially higher standard than is currently applied under the Circumvention of Lawful Pathways rule.  

Like the Proclamation, the rule provides for an end to these enhanced measures following a sustained reduction in southern border encounters. Specifically, these measures are in effect until 14 calendar days after there has been a 7-consecutive-calendar-day average of less than 1,500 encounters between the ports of entry. The measures would again go into effect, or continue, as appropriate, when there has been a 7-consecutive-calendar-day average of 2,500 encounters or more.

During periods of high encounters, the Proclamation will apply across the southern border. Lawful permanent residents, unaccompanied children, victims of a severe form of trafficking, and other noncitizens with a valid visa or other lawful permission to enter the United States are excepted from the Proclamation.

In addition, the suspension and limitation on entry and rule will not apply to noncitizens who use a Secretary-approved process—such as the CBP One mobile app—to enter the United States at a port of entry in a safe and orderly manner or pursue another lawful pathway.

Noncitizens who cross the southern border and who are not excepted from the Proclamation will be ineligible for asylum unless exceptionally compelling circumstances exist, including if the noncitizen demonstrates that they or a member of their family with whom they are traveling:

• faced an acute medical emergency;
• faced an imminent and extreme threat to life or safety, such as an imminent threat of rape, kidnapping, torture, or murder; or
• satisfied the definition of “victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons” currently provided in 8 CFR 214.11.

Consequences

Noncitizens who are subject to the rule’s limitation on asylum eligibility and who manifest or express a fear of return to their country or country of removal, express a fear of persecution or torture or an intention to apply for asylum, but do not establish a reasonable probability of persecution or torture in the country of removal will be promptly removed.

Those ordered removed will be subject to at least a five-year bar to reentry and potential criminal prosecution.

The Proclamation and rule will significantly enhance the security of our border by increasing the Departments’ ability to impose swift consequences for individuals who cross the southern border irregularly and do not establish a legal basis to remain in the United States.  Together, the Proclamation and rule make critical changes to how the Departments operate during times when encounters are at historically high levels—levels that, in the absence of these changes, undermine the government’s ability to process individuals through the expedited removal process. These changes will enable the Departments to quickly return those without a lawful basis to stay in the United States and thereby free up the asylum system for those with legitimate claims.

These extraordinary measures are a stop gap. Even with these measures in place, the Departments continue to lack the authorities and resources needed to adequately support the men and women on the frontlines. The Administration again calls on Congress to take up and pass the bipartisan reforms proposed in the Senate, which provide the new authorities, personnel, and resources that are needed to address the historic global migration that is impacting countries throughout the world, including our own. Until Congress does its part, we will continue to take any actions needed under current law and within existing resources to secure the border.

• Border Security
• Immigration
• Biden-Harris Administration
• Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
• Department of Justice (DOJ)