Going to Mexico and back to the US with a Chinese citizen

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I was just reading a post by a frequent traveler on a private travel forum (so unfortunately I can't link it here). They are a US citizen (with Global Entry, Known traveler etc.) who traveled to China in early January (and returned to the US then). When returning recently from another trip (to a different country) they were flagged and questioned by CDC about the trip to China in Jan, even though this trip was unrelated. They were told to expect to be questioned every time they re-enter the US now until the virus threat dies down.
From their description it sounds like they were sent by CBP immigration officer to meet with someone from CDC, and then were sent back through to immigration (a matter of minutes to maybe an hour, although they don't specify) - they were able to easily proceed to connecting flights without issue.

So I would say that Yes you should both prepare to be questioned over your travel to China when re-entering the US. Nothing to do with being Chinese citizen, more to do with the questions for anyone who has been to China recently.

Upvote:2

We have just returned home from Puerto Rico. We were in Cabo San Lucas prior to that, at the start of the outbreak in China. There was a question upon check in on our return flights regarding whether we had been in China in the past 14 days. We answered no. Although our previous China trips have been two or three years ago, they did not raise any red flags for TSA or CBP.

Unlike your travel companion, my wife is not a citizen of any of the above mentioned countries (including PR being part of the US). But, beyond the initial question, I doubt your Chinese girlfriend will have an issue either. After all, CBP will have a record of anytime she has left the US. And, 2-3 months is beyond the expected 27 day (according to Reuters) incubation period of the Coronavirus.

Just don’t make any jokes about having Coronas in Mexico. 😉

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