Are layovers included in the Schengen to USA COVID-19 travel ban?

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Accepted answer

Does this include layovers?

Yes, if you are an alien that does not fullfill one of the conditions of section 2 and were physically present within the Schengen Area during the 14-day period preceding their entry, when the plane departed after 11:59 p.m. eastern daylight time on March 13, 2020

As a US citizen, what will be the impact of my layover?

Since a US-Citizen is not a alien, the proclamation does not apply.
Entry conditions for US-Citizens are not meationed in the proclamation.

Section 1. Suspension and Limitation on Entry. The entry into the United States, as immigrants or nonimmigrants, of all aliens who were physically present within the Schengen Area during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States is hereby suspended and limited subject to section 2 of this proclamation.
...

Sec. 5. Effective Date. This proclamation is effective at 11:59 p.m. eastern daylight time on March 13, 2020. This proclamation does not apply to persons aboard a flight scheduled to arrive in the United States that departed prior to 11:59 p.m. eastern daylight time on March 13, 2020.

  • 04:59 Central European Time, Saturday, March 14, 2020

Sources:

Upvote:2

CNN states that:

The ban, slated to begin on Friday, only applies to foreign nationals, not American citizens, their immediate family members and legal permanent residents.

Returning travelers will be screened prior to entering the US and asked to self-quarantine for 14 days.

This is also confirmed by The Telegraph and Euronews.

It doesn't appear that any distinction is made between direct flights from Europe or layovers in Europe. The proclamation simply doesn't mention it.

All flights between the USA and mainland Europe have been cancelled or interrupted for the next 30 days as of midnight on Friday, March 13th, and given that the majority of people in Europe or transiting in Europe won't be able to fly to the US (since they won't be permanent residents, citizens, etc.) I would recommend consulting your airline prior to flying to Europe since the onward leg may be cancelled.

Regarding cancellations, Forbes has stated:

If your flight is cancelled by the airline, according to the US Department of Transportation you will be eligible for a cash refund, full stop. The European Union has a similar rule, commonly known as Rule 261, that provides for refunds for any flights that arrive into, travel through, or depart Europe.

You can read the full proclamation on the Whitehouse website.

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