Etihad advises checks with US missions after new Trump order

A UAE airline has advised passengers from six countries affected by a US travel ban to check with diplomatic missions before travelling.

DUBAI // Etihad Airways is advising some passengers to check with United States diplomatic missions before travelling to the country.

US president Donald Trump signed a revised executive order on Monday banning visits by travellers from six Muslim-majority countries.

The order takes effect on March 16 and keeps a 90-day ban on travel to the US for citizens of Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.

It applies only to new visa applicants, meaning about 60,000 people whose visas were revoked by the previous order will now be permitted to enter.

Etihad said it was strongly encouraging nationals of the listed countries to consult with their nearest US embassy or consulate to ensure they are legally entitled to enter the country.

Emirates airline said it was aware of the new order and would adhere to it.

“Emirates will comply with the guidance provided to us by the US Customs and Border Protection,” an airline spokeswoman said.

The carrier was forced to reschedule flight crew on some US flights to comply with the original ban.

Trump’s original January 27 executive order, suspended on February 3, caused chaos and confusion at airports worldwide, with the airline industry complaining about a lack of clear and direct communication from US officials.

Hours before Monday’s order was signed, a Qatar Airways spokeswoman told Reuters it had not received guidance from the US government about the new ban.

*Reuters