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The State Department maintains a list of travel advisories for nations across the globe. Previously, only around 30 countries were classified under Level 4, which advises against travel. However, a recent update has elevated more countries to this level, primarily due to the risks associated with the coronavirus.
Reuters reports that the State Department plans to add approximately 130 countries to the Level 4 list. Recent updates show around 60 countries were moved to Level 4 today, with others adjusted to Level 3 (“Reconsider travel”) and Level 2 (“Exercise increased caution”). If Reuters' information is accurate, further updates are anticipated.
As stated by the State Department, Reuters notes that the heightened advisories are not due to increased danger in these countries but rather because the department has chosen to “adjust” its ratings to align with CDC evaluations.
The CDC maintains its own list of COVID-19 travel advisories by country, with approximately 150 nations currently at Level 4, indicating a very high risk of COVID-19.
Furthermore, the U.S. has restricted entry for non-citizens who have recently visited China, Iran, the European Schengen area, the UK, Ireland, Brazil, and South Africa. Detailed information about these restrictions and their exceptions is available on the CDC’s international travel page.
The CDC continues to advise Americans to refrain from international travel unless they are fully vaccinated. For those who travel after vaccination, it is recommended to take a COVID-19 test three to five days after returning.
