US Closes Canada Border and Suspends Visa Services at Embassies Worldwide

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] As the COVID-19 outbreak spreads, the United States is strengthening lockdown measures against its own country.

On the 18th (local time), the U.S. Department of State announced that it is suspending routine visa services in most countries due to the spread of COVID-19.

In a statement issued by a spokesperson, the Department of State explained that this measure is a response to the global challenges posed by COVID-19.

Accordingly, U.S. embassies and consulates in countries with travel advisories at level 2 or higher will cancel all immigrant and non-immigrant visa issuance services as of the 18th, the Department of State said.

The Department of State stated that it will resume routine visa services as soon as possible but could not specify when, suggesting that this measure may continue for an extended period.

Earlier, the U.S. Embassy in Korea announced that it would cancel regular interview schedules for immigrant and non-immigrant visa issuance starting from the 19th Korea time.

On the same day, the United States also decided to close the border with Canada. Previously, Canada banned entry of foreigners but allowed entry of U.S. citizens; however, U.S. President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau agreed on the border closure between the two countries on this day.

The United States is currently also banning entry of foreigners coming from Europe and China.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.