On Thursday, April 2, 2020, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) announced that after working with the U.S. State Department and various U.S. embassies abroad, multiple Fifth District constituents have returned home safely after being stranded outside of the United States during the coronavirus outbreak. To date, sixteen Fifth District residents and families have been able to return home through Gottheimer’s assistance.

Through the ongoing pandemic, Fifth District constituents have been stranded abroad in Argentina, Peru, Jordan, Costa Rica, Morocco, Colombia, France, Ukraine, Chile, Mexico, Tunisia, India, and Honduras as a result of flight cancellations and travel restrictions in foreign countries going into effect. Gottheimer is continuing to work with several North Jersey families who are still abroad. 

“I’m incredibly thankful that so many Fifth District residents and families have been able to return home through our ongoing work with the U.S. State Department and embassies abroad. During this global outbreak, changing travel restrictions, borders closing, and canceled flights have left many Americans unable to get home,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5).  “I will not stop working until every single Fifth District resident stranded outside of our borders is back with their loved ones.”

When traveling internationally, please make sure your trip is registered through the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This free service allows American citizens to receive security updates from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, including updated travel advisories related to the COVID-19 outbreak. 

Any Fifth District residents who are stranded abroad and need assistance should reach out to Congressman Gottheimer at coronavirusNJ5@mail.house.gov. 

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