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Which Countries Does The US Warn Against Travel To? (Full List)

The list of counties which the U.S. State Department advises against travel to increased from 34 to 151. Which countries are on the “do not travel” list?’

May 11, 2021 UPDATE: The United Kingdom has dropped from Category 4 to Category 3 while Israel has dropped from Category 4 to Category 2 .

State Department “Do Not Travel” List

The State Department divides nations into four categories:

• Level 1 – “exercise normal precautions” – 0 country
• Level 2 – “exercise increased caution” – 17 countries  
• Level 3 – “reconsider travel” – 41 countries
• Level 4 – “do not travel” – 151 countries

Here’s the list of Level 4 countries , which Americans are urged to avoid right now:

• Afghanistan
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Burkina Faso
• Burma (Myanmar)
• Central African Republic
• Cote d’Ivoire
• Czech Republic
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Dominican Republic
• French Guiana
• French West Indies
• Guinea-Bissau
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea)
• North Macedonia
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Republic of the Congo
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and The Grenadines
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Saudi Arabia
• Solomon Island
• South Africa
• South Sudan
• Switzerland
• The Bahamas
• Timor Leste
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turkmenistan
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• United Arab Emirates

The State Department notes the updated list “reflects an adjustment in the State Department’s Travel Advisory system to rely more on existing epidemiological assessments.”

But no further explanation is given as to how countries were placed in which category.

Bhutan has also lost its Category 1 status and is now in Category 2 status.

The U.S. is warning against travel to 151 countries, up from just 34 countries in late April. While this list is not a travel ban, the practical effect of this latest update will be to slow international travel. It also suggests that the United States will not be re-opened to citizens of the European Union in May, as has been rumored.

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About author.

Matthew Klint

Matthew is an avid traveler who calls Los Angeles home. Each year he travels more than 200,000 miles by air and has visited more than 135 countries. Working both in the aviation industry and as a travel consultant, Matthew has been featured in major media outlets around the world and uses his Live and Let's Fly blog to share the latest news in the airline industry, commentary on frequent flyer programs, and detailed reports of his worldwide travel.

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17 comments.

I would rather travel to most of the countries in the list than travel to NYC, California, Portland or Seattle.

The State Department…

Why do we give them such a large budget? They bungled Korea for 70 years. Meanwhile. DENNIS RODMAN was able to make a diplomatic breakthrough. Think about that, we are listening to an agency who has less success than DENNIS RODMAN. Maybe they should try and actually solve problems instead of merely managing them, which allows them to justify their 6 figure government salaries.

And we should listen to their advice on where to travel?

They are being realistic: opening for travel is way more distant than most people believe ( …or want to believe…); in Churchillian terms we might have seen “the end of the beginning “ but that’s about all. The huge ethical, political and logistical issue remain: how to ensure there is sufficient vaccination around the world to give a reasonable level of safety PRIOR to the need for booster shots …because ,in the absence of virtually universal vaccination, the outbreaks will come again and again. Everyone’s worst nightmare is happening now in India: people dying in the streets outside hospitals, not a ventilator to be had ( and this in the world’s biggest producer of vaccines). Yet still some people will clamour for premature reopening of borders, mostly because they want to go on vacation ( although more often than not they couch this in economic terms: as if the world turns on the need for some road warrior/points junkie to have a ‘face to face’ meeting in Paris. Total BS). And usually preface this self-serving desire by quoting meaningless stats about recovery rates/ comparisons with seasonal flu. It’s beyond pukeworthy.

Stop blaming vacationers. Had their not been political rallies and riots, infection rate would be 70% lower, both in India and US.

Based on the invisible criteria the USA should also be Level 4 and domestic travel restricted. Here in the UK (level 4) I would say we are in a lot better shape than America. This is all meaningless political theatre.

I believe the term is virtue signaling. If one mask is good, two masks means you are just that much more serious about protecting others. When recommending against domestic travel just doesn’t feel good enough, toss in most foreign jurisdictions to maintain equity. If you are smart, you’ll understand this is what you must claim you are doing to maintain acceptable conversations at in-person gatherings with your vaccinated peers. If you don’t listen, well, you aren’t part of the group of people that are important anyway. If this was actually about public health, there would be a related increase in bans on flights from high risk areas – looking at you India. So much for following the science.

What a complete joke. This is just more “woke” political nonsense.

Thanks for ruining summer, Uncle Joe and Fauci

Liechtenstein is on the list… WHERE IT BELONGS!!!

This list is quite ridiculous it just doesn’t make sense…

Level 2: Palau, South Korea, Thailand (really? Palau has zero cases since the start of the pandemic and compare to South Korea that has 500-700+ daily cases and Thailand over 1000 cases per day)

Level 3: Iceland, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Taiwan, Australia. All these countries has way less cases per day than South Korea or Thailand. Hong Kong about 0 to 3 local cases per day, same with the others mostly imported.

Level 4: Macau? (Is this a joke? Since the pandemic Macau only had a total of 49 cases and 0 deaths)

It’s so freaking hypocritical that Trump endured such criticism for limiting travel (was called racist, and so on), then the (deep) State Department has the gall to add ONE HUNDRED FIFTY countries to their list?

“Do as I say, not as I do”

FINALLY someone recognizes those evil ass Canadians for what they are. Right up where they belong with North Korea, Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia and Yemen. Build that wall Eh!

This is a ridiculous list and only encourages non compliance with this and other “guidelines”. Why create such a distrust in government by going fro 34 to 134 in 24 hours? How about a little nuance?

Forget Australia. The national budget, delivered today, says borders will not begin to reopen until mid 2022. In economic terms that’s not a net loss, as Australians used to spend AUD20 billion more on overseas travel p.a. than total receipts from incoming tourists. But it’s a TOTAL PITA !

Listen up, folks. Here’s the deal. We will encourage international travel once Kam and I are ready to declare victory over this virus. So just sit tight for another 18 months and we’ll have this licked by the mid-terms.

What the bureaucrats at State Department and CDC don’t understand, is that with each passing day this crap continues to go on, they lose credibility with the people, at least those who pay attention to this stuff and who can think for themselves. I’m in Ethiopia this week, having a great time. I had a great flight coming over too, on an almost fully packed 777. They’re leading from behind.

Thailand had reduced the mandatory quarantine period for arrivals to 7 or 10 days, depending on location….but has now increased it back to 14 days, for everyone/all locations, effective May 1st

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Mexico Travel Advisory

Travel advisory august 22, 2023, mexico - see state summaries.

Reissued after periodic review with general security updates, and the removal of obsolete COVID-19 page links.

Country Summary: Violent crime – such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery – is widespread and common in Mexico. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted. In many states, local emergency services are limited outside the state capital or major cities.

U.S. citizens are advised to adhere to restrictions on U.S. government employee travel. State-specific restrictions are included in the individual state advisories below. U.S. government employees may not travel between cities after dark, may not hail taxis on the street, and must rely on dispatched vehicles, including app-based services like Uber, and regulated taxi stands. U.S. government employees should avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas. U.S. government employees may not drive from the U.S.-Mexico border to or from the interior parts of Mexico, except daytime travel within Baja California and between Nogales and Hermosillo on Mexican Federal Highway 15D, and between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey on Highway 85D.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Mexico.

Do Not Travel To:

• Colima state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Guerrero state  due to  crime .
• Michoacan state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Sinaloa state due to  crime  and  kidnapping
• Tamaulipas state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping.
• Zacatecas  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Reconsider Travel To:

• Baja California  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Chihuahua state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Durango state  due to  crime .
• Guanajuato state  due to  crime and kidnapping .
• Jalisco state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Morelos state  due to  crime .
• Sonora state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To:

• Aguascalientes  state due to  crime .
• Baja California Sur state  due to  crime .
• Chiapas state  due to  crime .
• Coahuila state  due to  crime .
• Hidalgo state  due to  crime .
• Mexico City  due to  crime .
• Mexico State  due to  crime .
• Nayarit state  due to  crime.
• Nuevo Leon  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Oaxaca state  due to  crime .
• Puebla state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Queretaro state  due to  crime .
• Quintana Roo state  due to  crime .
• San Luis Potosi state  due to  crime and kidnapping .
• Tabasco state  due to  crime .
• Tlaxcala state due to  crime .
• Veracruz state  due to  crime .

Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To:

• Campeche state
• Yucatan state

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

If you decide to travel to Mexico:

• Keep traveling companions and family back home informed of your travel plans. If separating from your travel group, send a friend your GPS location. If taking a taxi alone, take a photo of the taxi number and/or license plate and text it to a friend.
• Use toll roads when possible and avoid driving alone or at night. In many states, police presence and emergency services are extremely limited outside the state capital or major cities.
• Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Follow the U.S. Embassy on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Mexico.
• Mariners planning travel to Mexico should check for U.S. maritime  advisories  and  alerts , which include instructions on reporting suspicious activities and attacks to Mexican naval authorities.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest travel health information related to your travel. 

Aguascalientes state – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime.

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Aguascalientes state.

Baja California state – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping.

Transnational criminal organizations compete in the border area to establish narco-trafficking and human smuggling routes. Violent crime and gang activity are common. Travelers should remain on main highways and avoid remote locations. Of particular concern is the high number of homicides in the non-tourist areas of Tijuana. Most homicides appeared to be targeted; however, criminal organization assassinations and territorial disputes can result in bystanders being injured or killed. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

U.S. government employees must adhere to the noted restrictions:

• Mexicali Valley:  U.S. government employees should avoid the Mexicali Valley due to the heightened possibility of violence between rival cartel factions.  The boundaries of the restricted area are: to the east, the Baja California/Arizona and Baja California/Sonora borders; to the south, from La Ventana (on Highway 5) due east to the Colorado River; to the west, Highway 5; and to the north, Boulevard Lazaro Cardenas/Highway 92/Highway 1 to Carretera Aeropuerto, from the intersection of Highway 1 and Carretera Aeropuerto due north to the Baja California/California border, and from that point eastward along the Baja California/California border.
• Travelers may use Highways 2 and 2D to transit between Mexicali, Los Algodones, and San Luis Rio Colorado during daylight hours. Travelers may also use Highways 1 and 8 to transit to and from the Mexicali Airport during daylight hours.  Travel on Highway 5 is permissible during daylight hours.

There are no other travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Baja California state. These include high-traffic tourism areas of border and coastal communities, such as  Tijuana ,  Ensenada , and  Rosarito .

Baja California Sur state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Baja California Sur state.

Campeche state – Exercise Normal Precautions

Exercise normal precautions.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Campeche state.

Chiapas state – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime.  

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.  

U.S. government employees may not travel to the following restricted areas. All areas within the boundaries, including highway and roads unless specifically exempted, are restricted.  

East-Northeast Boundary – The eastern boundary follows the Mexican-Guatemalan border from the southern point on the Pacific coast, along the border, to the northern end point east of Netzahualcóyotl.  

Northern Boundary - From Netzahualcóyotl in a straight line southwest towards the northern limit of Ocosingo.  

Western Boundary - From Ocosingo in a straight line south to El Ocote. From El Ocote in a straight line west to San Francisco Pujiltic. From San Franciso Pujiltic southwest to just north of Mapastepec.  

South-Southwest Boundary - Highway 200 from Mapastepec to Tapachula. All towns along this highway are not restricted. The area to the north of highway 200 defines the southern boundary of the restricted area. From Tapachula, the restricted area boundary is north and east of the city limits and then extends southeast to the Pacific coast at Tres Hermanos San Isidro.  

Tapachula – Travel to Tapachula and within the city limits is not restricted. Highway 225, from Port Chiapas to Tapachula, to include the Tapachula Airport, is not restricted.  

To view a map of the restricted areas, visit https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas

Chihuahua state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. Battles for territory between criminal groups have resulted in violent crime in areas frequented by U.S. citizens and U.S. government employees, including restaurants and malls during daylight hours. Bystanders have been injured or killed in shooting incidents. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

U.S. government employee travel is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions:

• Ciudad Juarez:  U.S. government employees may travel to the area of Ciudad Juarez bounded to the east by Bulevar Independencia; to the south by De los Montes Urales/Avenida Manuel J Clouthier/Carretera de Juárez; to the west by Via Juan Gabriel/Avenida de los Insurgentes/Calle Miguel Ahumada/Francisco Javier Mina/Melchor Ocampo; and to the north by the U.S.-Mexico border.  Direct travel to the Ciudad Juarez airport (officially called the Abraham González International Airport) and the factories located along Bulevar Independencia and Las Torres is permitted.  Travel to San Jerónimo is permitted only through the United States via the Santa Teresa U.S. Port of Entry; travel via Anapra is prohibited.

U.S. government employees may only travel from Ciudad Juarez to the city of Chihuahua during daylight hours via Federal Highway 45, with stops permitted only at the Guardia Nacional División Caminos station, the Umbral del Milenio overlook area, the border inspection station at KM 35, and the shops and restaurants on Federal Highway 45 in the city of Ahumada.

• U.S. government employees may travel between Ciudad Juarez and Ascension via Highway 2.
• Nuevo Casas Grandes Area (including Nuevo Casas Grandes, Casas Grandes, Mata Ortiz, Colonia Juárez, Colonia LeBaron, Paquimé and San Buenaventura):  U.S. government employees may travel to the Nuevo Casas Grandes area during daylight hours via Mexico Federal Highway 2, and subsequently Federal Highway 10, to Nuevo Casas Grandes.  Employees are permitted to stay overnight in the cities of Nuevo Casas Grandes and Casas Grandes only.
• City of Chihuahua:  U.S. government employees may travel at any time to the area of the city of Chihuahua bounded to the north by Avenida Transformación; to the east by Avenida Tecnológico/Manuel Gómez Morín/Highway 16/Blvd.José Fuentes Mares; to the west by the city boundary; and to the south by Periférico Francisco R. Almada.
• U.S. government employees may travel on Highways 45, 16, and 45D through the city of Chihuahua and to the Chihuahua airport (officially called the General Roberto Fierro Villalobos International Airport). 
• U.S. government employees may travel to Santa Eulalia to the east of the city of Chihuahua, as well as to Juan Aldama via Highway 16 to the northeast.
• U.S. government employees may travel south of the city of Chihuahua on Highway 45 to the southern boundary of Parral, including each town directly connected to Highway 45, including Lázaro Cárdenas, Pedro Meoqui, Santa Cruz de Rosales, Delicias, Camargo, Ciudad Jiménez, and Parral itself.
• U.S. government employees may only travel on official business from the city of Chihuahua on Highway 16 to Ciudad Cuauhtémoc bounded by Highway 21 to the north and east, Highway 5 to the west, and Bulevar Jorge Castillo Cabrera to the south. 
• Ojinaga:  U.S. government employees must travel to Ojinaga via U.S. Highway 67 and enter through the U.S. Port of Entry in Presidio, Texas.
• Palomas:  U.S. government employees may travel to Palomas via U.S. highways through the U.S. Port of Entry in Columbus, New Mexico, or via Highway 2 in Mexico.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Chihuahua, including  Copper Canyon .

Coahuila state – Exercise Increased Caution

Violent crime and gang activity occur in parts of Coahuila state. 

U.S. government employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions:

• Zaragoza, Morelos, Allende, Nava, Jimenez, Villa Union, Guerrero, and Hidalgo municipalities : U.S. government employees may not travel to these municipalities.
• Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña:  U.S. government employees must travel directly from the United States and observe a curfew from midnight to 6:00 a.m. in both cities.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Coahuila state.

Colima state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping.  

Violent crime and gang activity are widespread. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed bystanders. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.  

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with noted restrictions: 

• Manzanillo:   U.S. government employee travel is limited to the tourist and port areas of Manzanillo.  
• Employees traveling to Manzanillo from Guadalajara must use Federal Toll Road 54D during daylight hours.  

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Colima state. 

Durango state – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime.

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Durango state.

• West and south of Federal Highway 45:  U.S. government employees may not travel to this region of Durango state.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Durango state.

Guanajuato state – Reconsider Travel

Gang violence, often associated with the theft of petroleum and natural gas from the state oil company and other suppliers, occurs in Guanajuato, primarily in the south and central areas of the state.  Of particular concern is the high number of murders in the southern region of the state associated with cartel-related violence. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Areas south of Federal Highway 45D:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area south of and including Federal Highway 45D, Celaya, Salamanca, and Irapuato.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Guanajuato state, which includes tourist areas in:  San Miguel de Allende ,  Guanajuato City , and  surrounding areas.

Guerrero state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime.

Crime and violence are widespread. Armed groups operate independently of the government in many areas of Guerrero. Members of these groups frequently maintain roadblocks and may use violence towards travelers. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping in previous years.

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following area with the noted restrictions:

• Taxco:  U.S. government employees must use Federal Highway 95D, which passes through Cuernavaca, Morelos, and stay within downtown tourist areas of Taxco. Employees may visit Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park during the day with a licensed tour operator.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of the state of Guerrero, including to tourist areas in  Acapulco ,  Zihuatanejo , and  Ixtapa .

Hidalgo state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Hidalgo state.

Jalisco state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Jalisco state. In Guadalajara, territorial battles between criminal groups take place in tourist areas. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed innocent bystanders. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Jalisco-Michoacan border and Federal Highway 110:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area between Federal Highway 110 and the Jalisco-Michoacan border, nor travel on Federal Highway 110 between Tuxpan, Jalisco, and the Michoacan border.
• Federal Highway 80:  U.S. government employees may not travel on Federal Highway 80 south of Cocula.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in Jalisco state which includes tourist areas in:  Guadalajara Metropolitan Area ,  Puerto Vallarta (including neighboring Riviera Nayarit) ,  Chapala , and  Ajijic .

Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution

Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico City. Use additional caution, particularly at night, outside of the frequented tourist areas where police and security patrol more routinely. Petty crime occurs frequently in both tourist and non-tourist areas.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Mexico City.

Mexico State (Estado de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution

Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico State. Use additional caution in areas outside of the frequented tourist areas, although petty crime occurs frequently in tourist areas as well.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Mexico State.

Michoacan state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping.

Crime and violence are widespread in Michoacan state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions:

• Federal Highway 15D:   U.S. government employees may travel on Federal Highway 15D to transit the state between Mexico City and Guadalajara.
• Morelia:  U.S. government employees may travel by air and by land using Federal Highways 43 or 48D from Federal Highway 15D.
• Lazaro Cardenas:  U.S. government employees must travel by air only and limit activities to the city center or port areas.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of the state of Michoacan, including the portions of the  Monarch Butterfly Reserve  located in Michoacan.

Morelos state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Morelos state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Morelos state.

Nayarit state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout Nayarit state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in Nayarit state.

Nuevo Leon state – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping.

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Nuevo Leon state.

Oaxaca state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state.

U.S. travelers are reminded that U.S. government employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions:

• Isthmus region:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area of Oaxaca bounded by Federal Highway 185D to the west, Federal Highway 190 to the north, and the Oaxaca-Chiapas border to the east.  This includes the cities of Juchitan de Zaragoza, Salina Cruz, and San Blas Atempa.  
• Federal Highway 200 northwest of Pinotepa:  U.S. government employees may not use Federal Highway 200 between Pinotepa and the Oaxaca-Guerrero border.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees to other parts of Oaxaca state, which include tourist areas in:  Oaxaca City ,  Monte Alban ,  Puerto Escondido,  and  Huatulco .

Puebla state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Puebla state.

Queretaro state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Queretaro state.

Quintana Roo state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur in any location, at any time, including in popular tourist destinations.  Travelers should maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur, and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations. 

While not directed at tourists, shootings between rival gangs have injured innocent bystanders.  Additionally, U.S. citizens have been the victims of both non-violent and violent crimes in tourist and non-tourist areas.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Quintana Roo state. However, personnel are advised to exercise increased situational awareness after dark in downtown areas of Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen, and to remain in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones.

San Luis Potosi state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.  U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in San Luis Potosi state.

Sinaloa state – Do Not Travel

Violent crime is widespread. Criminal organizations are based in and operating in Sinaloa. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Mazatlan:  U.S. government employees may travel to Mazatlan by air or sea only, are limited to the Zona Dorada and historic town center, and must travel via direct routes between these destinations and the airport and sea terminal.
• Los Mochis and Topolobampo:  U.S. government employees may travel to Los Mochis and Topolobampo by air or sea only, are restricted to the city and the port, and must travel via direct routes between these destinations and the airport.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Sinaloa state.

Sonora state – Reconsider Travel

Sonora is a key location used by the international drug trade and human trafficking networks. Violent crime is widespread. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping. Travelers should maintain a heightened level of awareness of their surroundings in all their travels in Sonora.  Security incidents may occur in any area of Sonora.

• Travel between Hermosillo and Nogales:  U.S. government employees may travel between the U.S. Ports of Entry in Nogales and Hermosillo during daylight hours via Federal Highway 15 only. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures. Travelers should exercise caution and avoid unnecessary stops as security incidents, including sporadic, armed carjackings, and shootings have been reported along this highway during daylight hours. Travelers should have a full tank of gas and inform friends or family members of their planned travel.
• Nogales:  U.S. government employees may not travel in the triangular area north of Avenida Tecnologico, west of Bulevar Luis Donaldo Colosio (Periferico), nor east of Federal Highway 15D (Corredor Fiscal). U.S. government employees also may not travel in the residential and business areas to east of the railroad tracks along Plutarco Elias Calle (HWY 15) and Calle Ruiz Cortino, including the business area around the Morley pedestrian gate port-of-entry. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in Nogales due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.  
• Puerto Peñasco:  U.S. government employees may travel between Puerto Peñasco and the Lukeville-Sonoyta U.S. Port of Entry during daylight hours via Federal Highway 8 only. They may not travel on any other route to Puerto Peñasco. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in Puerto Peñasco. due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
• Triangular region near Mariposa U.S. Port of Entry:  U.S. government employees may not travel into or through the triangular region west of the Mariposa U.S. Port of Entry, east of Sonoyta, and north of Altar municipality.
• San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea, and Agua Prieta : U.S. government employees may travel directly from the nearest U.S. Port of Entry to San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea (via Douglas Port of Entry), and Agua Prieta, but may not go beyond the city limits. Travel is limited to daylight hours only. Travel between Nogales and Cananea via Imuris is not permitted. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in these cities due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
• Eastern and southern Sonora (including San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos):  U.S. government employees may not travel to areas of Sonora east of Federal Highway 17, the road between Moctezuma and Sahuaripa, and State Highway 20 between Sahuaripa and the intersection with Federal Highway 16. U.S. government employees may travel to San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos; travel to Alamos is only permitted by air and within city limits.  U.S. government employees may not travel to areas of Sonora south of Federal Highway 16 and east of Federal Highway 15 (south of Hermosillo), as well as all points south of Guaymas, including Empalme, Guaymas, Obregon, and Navojoa.  U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in these areas due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.

U.S. government employees may travel to other parts of Sonora state in compliance with the above restrictions, including tourist areas in: Hermosillo , Bahia de Kino , and Puerto Penasco .

Tabasco state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Tabasco state.

Tamaulipas state – Do Not Travel

Organized crime activity – including gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, forced disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault – is common along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria. Criminal groups target public and private passenger buses, as well as private automobiles traveling through Tamaulipas, often taking passengers and demanding ransom payments.

Heavily armed members of criminal groups often patrol areas of the state and operate with impunity particularly along the border region from Reynosa to Nuevo Laredo.  In these areas, local law enforcement has limited capacity to respond to incidents of crime. Law enforcement capacity is greater in the tri-city area of Tampico, Ciudad Madero, and Altamira, which has a lower rate of violent criminal activity compared to the rest of the state.

U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo:  U.S. government employees may only travel within a limited radius around and between the U.S. Consulates in Nuevo Laredo and Matamoros, their homes, the respective U.S. Ports of Entry, and limited downtown sites, subject to an overnight curfew.
• Overland travel in Tamaulipas:  U.S. government employees may not travel between cities in Tamaulipas using interior Mexican highways. Travel between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey is limited to Federal Highway 85D during daylight hours with prior authorization.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other parts of Tamaulipas state.

Tlaxcala state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Tlaxcala state.

Veracruz state – Exercise Increased Caution

Violent crime and gang activity occur with increasing frequency in Veracruz, particularly in the center and south near Cordoba and Coatzacoalcos. While most gang-related violence is targeted, violence perpetrated by criminal organizations can affect bystanders. Impromptu roadblocks requiring payment to pass are common.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Veracruz state.

Yucatan state – Exercise Normal Precautions

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Yucatan state, which include tourist areas in:  Chichen Itza ,  Merida ,  Uxmal , and  Valladolid .

Zacatecas state – Do Not Travel

Violent crime, extortion, and gang activity are widespread in Zacatecas state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Zacatecas City : U.S. government employee travel is limited to Zacatecas City proper, and employees may not travel overland to Zacatecas City.
• U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Zacatecas state.

Travel Advisory Levels

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Coronavirus Updates

The coronavirus crisis, u.s. issues more than 115 'do not travel' advisories, citing risks from covid-19.

Bill Chappell

Global travel continues to be risky because of the coronavirus. Earlier this year, passengers from Taiwan wear protective gear as they arrive at France's Charles de Gaulle Airport, and just this week, the U.S. issued over 100 new travel advisories. Francois Mori/AP hide caption

Global travel continues to be risky because of the coronavirus. Earlier this year, passengers from Taiwan wear protective gear as they arrive at France's Charles de Gaulle Airport, and just this week, the U.S. issued over 100 new travel advisories.

The U.S. State Department has vastly expanded its "Do Not Travel list," issuing new Level 4 advisories for more than 115 countries and territories this week. The agency cites "ongoing risks due to the COVID-19 pandemic."

The U.S. Do Not Travel list now includes Canada, Mexico, Germany and the U.K. A Level 3 warning is in place for a smaller group of nations, such as China, Australia and Iceland. Japan is also on the Level 3 list, despite a worrying rise in new coronavirus cases there.

Just a week ago, only 33 countries were on the U.S. Do Not Travel list, according to a cached version of the advisory site . But the State Department warned on Monday that the list would soon include roughly 80% of the world's countries.

More than 150 highest-level travel advisories are in effect — more closely reflecting guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the State Department says.

The CDC's own travel health notices also use a four-tier warning system. For many countries newly added to the State Department's Level 4 list, the CDC cites "a very high level of COVID-19."

As of last week, Brazil and Russia were two of the only large COVID-19 global hotspots on the State Department's most serious warning list. They're now joined by India and virtually all of Europe — places that have seen alarming spikes in new cases.

Bhutan is the only international destination designated as Level 1 — "exercise normal precautions" — on the State Department's travel advisory list.

Sixteen countries are categorized as Level 2 — meaning travelers should exercise increased caution when visiting places such as Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, Belize and Grenada.

Many of the new or updated Do Not Travel notices cite high levels of coronavirus transmission in the relevant country. But the State Department says it also takes other factors into account, from the availability of coronavirus testing to any travel restrictions the countries might have against U.S. citizens.

In roughly 35 countries or destinations, the CDC says, details about the level of COVID-19 risk are unknown. The health agency urges Americans to avoid traveling to those spots, which include Afghanistan, Nicaragua and the Solomon Islands.

Regardless of a particular country's advisory status, the State Department wants all U.S. citizens to reconsider any travel abroad.

"The COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose unprecedented risks to travelers," the agency said.

More than 3 million people have died from COVID-19 worldwide, according to the World Health Organization . Nearly 144 million coronavirus cases have been reported globally, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University .

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At a glance

• Two federal public health tools are available to manage travelers who are known or suspected to have a serious contagious disease: the Do Not Board list and the Public Health Lookout.
• The Do Not Board list prevents travelers with risk of spreading a contagious disease from boarding an airplane.
• The Public Health Lookout prompts Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to notify public health authorities about the traveler so they can assess the need for follow-up or treatment.

Do Not Board List

Diseases are just a flight away. To protect the public's health, CDC partners with the Department of Homeland Security to prevent the spread of serious contagious diseases during commercial air travel. In June 2007, the two agencies established the Do Not Board list. It prevents travelers known or suspected to have a contagious disease that poses a threat to the public's health from boarding commercial airplanes. The Do Not Board list prevents a person from obtaining a boarding pass for any flight into, out of, or within the United States.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) enforces this list. Under the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (49 U.S.C. 114), TSA may take actions necessary to reduce the risk of threats to aviation and transportation security. This includes denying boarding to travelers CDC identifies as having or likely having a contagious disease that poses a public health threat to other passengers or crew.

Travelers on the Do Not Board list (a public health list) action are not part of the No Fly List . Federal law enforcement agencies use the No Fly List for their own purposes.

Public Health Lookout

Travelers placed on the Do Not Board list are also issued a Public Health Lookout . When a person who has been issued a Public Health lookout tries to enter the United States at any port of entry (seaport, airport, or land border), CBP is alerted to notify public health officials. When this happens, health officials review the person's infectious disease status to ensure appropriate isolation, if indicated, and other public health management, including helping the person get treatment if needed. Having a Public Health Lookout attached to a person's name does not necessarily prevent travel or deny a person entry into the United States.

Why Both Tools are Needed

The Do Not Board and Public Health Lookout lists are two different but complementary tools for reducing the risk of spread of contagious diseases during travel. TSA administers the Do Not Board list, which prevents people known or suspected to have a contagious disease from flying commercially. CBP manages the Public Health Lookout that helps identify these people if they attempt to enter the United States by air, land or sea. Since the processes began in 2007, both tools have been used primarily for people with infectious tuberculosis. Preventing people with contagious diseases from traveling also helps to connect them to care or continued medical treatment, as needed.

Placing people on federal public health travel restrictions

These tools can be used for anyone known or suspected to have a contagious disease that poses a threat to the public's health if they meet certain criteria as listed below.

Local and state public health officials and officials of other federal agencies (such as the Department of State) or foreign governments can request CDC's assistance if a person known or suspected to have a contagious disease that poses a public health threat intends to travel. CDC helps ensure these people do not travel while at risk of spreading disease.

The criteria for adding people to the Do Not Board and Public Health Lookout are:

• Person is not aware of diagnosis or not following public health recommendations, or
• Person is likely to travel on a commercial flight involving the United States or travel internationally by any means; or
• Travel restriction is needed to respond to an outbreak of a serious contagious disease or to help enforce a public health order .

A person must meet the first criterion plus one of the three sub-criteria before these tools can be used.

These tools have been used for people with suspected or confirmed infectious tuberculosis (TB), including multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB), and for measles in a small number of cases. During 2020-2022, CDC used these authorities to restrict travel of people with COVID-19 and close contacts who were recommended to quarantine. These authorities were also used for mpox in 2022. Travel restrictions have also been used for other suspected or confirmed contagious diseases that pose a public health threat during travel, including viral hemorrhagic fevers such as Ebola.

Removing the Restrictions

Once public health authorities confirm a person is no longer at risk of spreading disease, the restrictions are removed. This is typically done within 24 hours. CDC also reviews the records of everyone whose travel is restricted for public health purposes every two weeks to determine eligibility for removal.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)
• Division of Global Migration Health (DGMH)

CDC works with partners to protect the health of people exposed to a contagious disease during travel and their communities from contagious diseases that are just a flight away.

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Public health.

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Travel Advice changes made for over 30 countries and territories

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has lifted its advice against all but essential travel for over 30 countries and territories.

Advisories against all but essential travel lifted making travel to destinations across the globe more straightforward.

• advice against all but essential travel removed for 32 countries and territories
• travellers able to get insurance for more destinations
• changes are a boost for businesses and families

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) has lifted its advice against all but essential travel for over 30 countries and territories. The change means people will be able to travel to a larger number of destinations with greater ease.

The update comes as part of a simplified system for international travel which has seen the replacement of the traffic light system with a single red list, and reduced testing requirements for eligible fully vaccinated travellers.

The FCDO will no longer advise against travel to non-red list countries on COVID-19 grounds, except in exceptional circumstances such as if the local healthcare system is overwhelmed.

Many travel insurance companies use FCDO travel advice as a reference point in their policies – typically excluding cover for places where government advises against essential travel, however people will now be able to purchase travel insurance for a wider range of destinations across the globe.

Advice has been lifted in light of the improved public health in many countries and territories, better understanding of the virus and the decreased risk to British nationals as a result of the vaccine roll out.

The FCDO will continue to advise against all but essential travel for all red list countries and territories where the risk to British travellers is ‘unacceptably high’. People should not travel to red list countries. The FCDO will remove advisories for more countries and territories in the coming days.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said:

These rule tweaks will make travelling more straightforward, supporting businesses and families right across Britain - and allow more of us to see friends and loved ones with greater peace of mind. We’re striking the right balance between keeping people safe which remains our priority and giving them the freedom to exercise personal responsibility, while supporting the travel sector as it continues to recover.

The FCDO advises against travel when it assesses the risk to travelling British nationals to be ‘unacceptably high’, across a range of risks including safety and security. Before the pandemic, this was reserved for fragile states or areas.

A global advisory against all but essential travel to every country and territory was introduced at the start of the pandemic in March 2020. This was lifted in November 2020 and the FCDO has been assessing COVID-19 risks country by country and before today’s changes, advised against travel on COVID-19 grounds to 117 countries and territories.

FCDO travel advice provides objective information to British nationals so they can make decisions about travelling abroad and plan for a trouble-free trip. It is constantly reviewed to ensure it includes up-to-date advice and covers topics such as entry requirements, safety and security issues, health risks and details about local laws and customs.

Travel is different. The FCDO recommends that anyone planning a trip abroad should take the following steps:

check FCDO travel advice for the entry requirements for your destination, including any proof of vaccination you may need, as well as testing and quarantine rules

check what you need to do on return to the UK

know and follow the local COVID-19 rules and restrictions for your destination – there may be limits on group numbers and curfews

plan and prepare in-case you test positive overseas – take more cash, medication and essentials. You must follow local advice regarding self-isolation, and you may need to stay longer than planned

sign up for travel advice email alerts so you automatically receive the latest travel advice updates for the destinations you want to know about

get travel insurance or check your existing policy, particularly for coronavirus related cover

If you are travelling to Europe, check your E/GHIC and ensure your travel insurance covers you for healthcare

Coming back to the UK

The traffic light system has been replaced by a single red list of countries and territories and simplified travel measures for arrivals from the rest of the world .

FCDO will lift its advisory against all but essential travel to:

• America Samoa
• Tokelau & Niue
• Equatorial Guinea
• French Polynesia
• Marshall Islands
• São Tomé and Príncipe
• Solomon Islands

Media enquiries

Email [email protected]

Telephone 020 7008 3100

Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

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All of the countries currently on the Foreign Office ‘do not travel’ list

W hen planning a holiday, it’s wise to check these three things before you leave for the airport: your passport is in-date, travel insurance is still valid and you’re travelling to someplace safe according to the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office ( FCDO ).

Political conflicts, natural disasters and safety concerns are among the reasons the UK Foreign Office will recommend British nationals steer clear of certain destinations.

The FCDO has issued various travel warnings, including advice against “all travel” and “all but essential travel” to entire countries or parts of countries in Europe , Africa , Asia and South America .

Of 226 countries or territories with foreign travel advice pages, 68 are currently flagged as having no-go zones due to security issues, health risks and legal differences with the UK .

If you choose to make the journey against FCDO advice, travel insurance will be invalidated, and there may be a lack of consular support in the event of an emergency overseas.

Here is the full list of countries on the Foreign Office’s do not travel list to check before you plan a trip.

FCDO advises against all travel

• Afghanistan – “The security situation is volatile”
• Belarus – “You face a significant risk of arrest”
• Burkina Faso – except to the capital, Ouagadougou
• Central African Republic – except to the capital, Bangui
• Haiti – “Due to the volatile security situation”
• Iran – “British nationals are at significant risk of arrest”
• Iraq – except to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq
• Lebanon – “Due to risks associated with the ongoing conflict between Israel, Lebanese Hizballah and other non-state actors”
• Libya – “The local security situation is fragile”
• Mali – except to Bamako
• Niger – except to the capital city of Niamey
• Russia – “Due to the risks and threats from its continuing invasion of Ukraine”
• South Sudan – “Due to the risk of armed violence and criminality”
• Sudan – “Ongoing military conflict in Khartoum”
• Syria – “Ongoing conflict and unpredictable security conditions”
• Ukraine – “Ongoing risk of harm to British nationals from Russian attacks across all of Ukraine”
• Yemen – “Unpredictable security conditions”

FCDO advises against all travel to parts

• Algeria – all travel to within 30km of Algeria’s borders with Libya, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Tunisia
• Armenia – within 5km of the full eastern border between Armenia and Azerbaijan
• Azerbaijan – Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding areas
• Benin – Northern border regions
• Burundi – Cibitoke and Bubanza provinces
• Cameroon – Bakassi Peninsula and within 40km of Central African Republic, Chad and Nigeria borders
• Chad – Borkou, Ennedi Ouest, Ennedi Est and Tibesti provinces, Kanem Province, including Nokou, Lake Chad region and within 30km of all Chad’s other borders  
• Congo – Republic of Congo-Central African Republic border area in the Likouala Region, districts in the Pool Region and Mouyondzi District in the Bouenza Region
• Côte d’Ivoire – borders with Burkina Faso and Mali and Côte d’Ivoire-Liberia border
• Democratic Republic of the Congo – DRC-Central African Republic border, Eastern DRC, Kwamouth territory of Mai-Ndombe Province and areas in Kinshasa Province
• Djibouti – Djibouti-Eritrea border
• Egypt – Egypt-Libya border, North Sinai and Western Desert
• Eritrea – within 25km of Eritrea’s land borders
• Ethiopia – international border areas, Tigray region, Amhara region, Afar region, Gambella region, Oromia region, Somali Regional State and Benishangul-Gumuz region
• Georgia – South Ossetia and Abkhazia
• Indonesia –Mount Sinabung, North Sumatra, Mount Marapi, West Sumatra, Mount Semeru, East Java, Mount Ruang, Northern Sulawesi, Mount Ibu, North Maluku
• Israel – Gaza, The West Bank and Northern Israel
• Jordan – within 3km of the border with Syria
• Mauritania – Eastern Mauritania, Mauritania-Western Sahara border, Tiris Zemmour, Adrar, Tagant, Hodh el Gharbi, Assaba and Guidimaka provinces
• Moldova –Transnistria
• Mozambique – Cabo Delgado Province, Nampula Province
• Myanmar (Burma) – Chin State, Kachin State, Kayah State, Kayin State, Mon State, Rakhine State, Sagaing and Magway regions, Tanintharyi Region, Shan State North, North Mandalay Region
• Nigeria – Borno State, Yobe State, Adamawa State, Gombe State
• Philippines – Western and central Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago
• Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabia-Yemen border and Abha International Airport  
• Somalia – eastern Somaliland and Western Somaliland
• The Occupied Palestinian Territories –Gaza, Areas near Gaza, The West Bank and Northern Israel
• Togo – Togo-Burkina Faso border
• Tunisia – Western Tunisia, including the Tunisia-Algeria border and Southern Tunisia, including the Tunisia-Libya border
• Turkey – Turkey-Syria border, Sirnak city and Hakkari Province
• Venezuela – within 80km of the Venezuela-Colombia border, within 40km of the Venezuela-Brazil border
• Western Sahara – south and east of the Berm boundary line

FCDO advises against all but essential travel

In regards to the definition of ‘essential travel’, the FCDO says: “Whether travel is essential or not is your own decision. You may have urgent family or business commitments which you need to attend to. Only you can make an informed decision based on your own individual circumstances and the risks.”

• Bangladesh – “There has been widespread violence across Bangladesh”
• New Caledonia – “Given ongoing tensions”
• North Korea – “The security situation can change quickly with no advance warning”

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts

• Angola – Cabinda Province, border areas in Lunda Norte Province
• Brazil – Amazonas State
• Colombia – borders, Pacific coast, northern and central Colombia
• Ecuador – Coastal Region and within 20km of the Ecuador-Colombia border
• Ghana – Bawku Municipality
• Guatemala – within 5km of the Mexican border
• Kenya – Kenya-Somalia border and northern parts of the east coast
• Kosovo – Zvečan, Zubin Potok and Leposavic, and the northern part of the city of Mitrovica
• Laos – Xaisomboun Province
• Malaysia – Eastern Sabah coastal islands
• Mexico – Baja California, Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Jalisco, Colima, Guerrero, Chiapas
• Papua New Guinea – Hela and Southern Highlands provinces
• Peru – within 20km south of the Peru-Colombia border and The Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro River
• Tanzania – Mtwara Region along the Tanzania-Mozambique border
• Thailand –parts of the south, near the Thailand-Malaysia border
• Uganda – Queen Elizabeth National Park and Semuliki National Park

For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calder’s podcast

The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking news brand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. We have grown a huge, global readership of independently minded individuals, who value our trusted voice and commitment to positive change. Our mission, making change happen, has never been as important as it is today.

The CDC Has a New “Do Not Travel” Advisory System

Under the new system, countries will be placed on the agency’s level 4 “do not travel” list only if there are extreme pandemic-related health concerns..

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On April 20, no countries were designated a Level 4 on the new list.

Courtesy of CDC

Just last week, there were 89 countries on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory list . Today, there are none. So, what changed from one week to the next? Did 89 countries suddenly become less of a risk for travelers? Not necessarily.

As of April 18, the CDC has changed how it classifies international destinations under its COVID travel advisory system.

“To help the public understand when the highest level of concern is most urgent, this new system will reserve Level 4 travel health notices for special circumstances, such as rapidly escalating case trajectory or extremely high case counts, emergence of a new variant of concern, or healthcare infrastructure collapse,” the CDC said in a statement about the new classifications.

Whereas now Level 4 is deemed “Special Circumstances/Do Not Travel,” previously Level 4 simply indicated a “very high level of COVID-19,” and came with the advice to avoid travel to the destination. This encompassed countries that surpassed certain thresholds for new counts of cases and upward case trajectories.

This new advisory system makes it easier for travelers to assess the most critical pandemic-related concerns around the world. When a multitude of countries is deemed “high risk,” that can either deter travelers from international travel completely or can turn them off from an advisory system that paints the world in broad brushstrokes of risk.

“With this new configuration, travelers will have a more actionable alert for when they should not travel to a certain destination (Level 4), regardless of vaccination status, until we have a clearer understanding of the COVID-19 situation at that destination,” the CDC stated.

Each week, the CDC releases its updated travel health notices and corresponding map, and in recent weeks the number of countries deemed Level 4 or “do not travel” had included the vast majority of countries in the world—in early February 140 countries were on the Level 4 or “do not travel” list. This week, under the new classification system, there are no countries with a Level 4 designation, and there are 122 countries and territories that fall under the Level 3 or “COVID-19: High” list.

Levels 1, 2, and 3, represent incidents of COVID-19 that are “low,” “medium,” and “high,” respectively. There are also several countries marked as “level unkown,” which are designated in gray on the map. Knowing these designations can help travelers make informed decisions about where they feel comfortable traveling and any additional precautions they may want to take before, during, or after their travels. For all levels, the CDC recommends that travelers are up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines, but does not recommend avoiding travel there, which means there is currently nowhere in the world the CDC deems unsafe to travel to in the context of the pandemic.

This advisory system is separate from individual country requirements for travelers that are issued by each government, which have had a tendency to fluctuate often throughout the pandemic as COVID cases have risen and fallen.

The U.S. State Department uses a similar four-level travel advisory system, but the State Department’s travel advisories take into account many additional safety factors beyond public health issues, including threat of war, violence, and other humanitarian and natural crises.

>> Next: Is Europe Travel Safe During Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine?

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Travel advice and advisories by destination

COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

The Government of Canada’s official source of travel information and advice, the Travel Advice and Advisories help you to make informed decisions and travel safely while you are outside Canada. Check the page for your destination often, because safety and security conditions may change. See Travel Advice and Advisories – FAQ for more information.

Where are you going?

Take normal security precautions

Exercise a high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Travel advice from other countries

Travel advice is also provided by the governments of Australia , New Zealand , the United Kingdom and the United States .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

State Department to Update Travel Advisories, Listing 80% of Countries as 'Do Not Travel'

The State Department will be updating its travel advisories 'to better reflect CDC’s science-based Travel Health Notices.'

U.S. Lists 80% of Countries as 'Do Not Travel'

Lev Radin | Pacific Press | LightRocket via Getty Images

The State Department is continuing to urge Americans to reconsider traveling abroad.

The State Department will deem approximately 80% of countries worldwide as "Do Not Travel" as it updates its travel advisories list to more closely align with health authorities' recommendations.

The department announced it would be updating its travel advisories this week "to better reflect CDC's science-based Travel Health Notices" and "also considered logistics like testing availability and travel restrictions for U.S. citizens." The department is continuing to urge Americans to reconsider traveling abroad.

Four levels of advisories are issued: exercise normal precautions, exercise increased caution, reconsider travel and do not travel.

Cartoons on the Coronavirus

The change "will result in a significant increase in the number of countries at Level 4: Do Not Travel, to approximately 80% of countries worldwide," the department said in a media note. "This does not imply a reassessment of the current health situation in a given country, but rather reflects an adjustment in the State Department's Travel Advisory system to rely more on CDC's existing epidemiological assessment."

Officials report more than 142.2 million cases of COVID-19 across the globe, with more with 3 million deaths.

Based on the advisories from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the more than 130 Level 4 countries include the Bahamas, Aruba, France, Austria, Italy, Brazil, India, Domincan Republic, the Netherlands, Russia, United Kingdom, Croatia and Mexico.

Level 1 countries include Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, China, Fiji and Vietnam.

"As always," the department added, "we are closely monitoring conditions around the globe, and will regularly update our destination-specific advice to U.S. travelers as conditions evolve."

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Tags: Travel , CDC , State Department , Coronavirus , world , world news

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The CDC’s do-not-travel list now encompasses more than half the world’s destinations

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has moved seven more countries to its highest-risk category for travel — a list that has grown to include 134 destinations, with many added since the World Health Organization declared omicron a “variant of concern” on Nov. 26.

The CDC on Monday gave the Democratic Republic of Congo, Oman, Libya, Japan, Israel, Cuba and Armenia a “Level 4″ warning, which means it is recommending that Americans avoid traveling there, even if vaccinated.

The CDC’s four levels — which start at “low” risk and escalate to “moderate,” “high” and “very high” — are designed to help Americans navigate travel in the pandemic as case levels continue to fluctuate. The public health agency recommends that all travelers should be fully vaccinated, regardless of their destination’s designation. For countries deemed “very high” risk, the CDC guidance is to “avoid travel.”

Countries and territories marked as “Level 4″ have an infection incidence rate of more than 500 new coronavirus cases per 100,000 people over the past 28 days (or, in places with fewer than 100,000 residents, more than 500 cases cumulatively over the past 28 days). The CDC also takes into account a country or territory’s capacity to test for the coronavirus.

CNN reports that Israel has been on the CDC’s Level 4 list since Jan. 18, but is listed as a new entry because the agency’s warning now includes guidance on Gaza and the West Bank.

The CDC’s do not travel list, explained

A destination’s risk designation can go up if both metrics — the case count and the testing capacity — meet the criteria for a higher-risk category for two weeks, or sooner “if there is a large increase in COVID-19 cases reported,” the CDC says .

The State Department issues its own travel advisories , which factor in the CDC’s recommendations but also include other threats such as terrorism, civil unrest, crime and natural disasters.

Hannah Sampson contributed to this report.

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U.S. Issues More Than 115 'Do Not Travel' Advisories, Citing Risks From COVID-19

The U.S. State Department has vastly expanded its "Do Not Travel list," issuing new Level 4 advisories for more than 115 countries and territories this week. The agency cites "ongoing risks due to the COVID-19 pandemic."

The U.S. Do Not Travel list now includes Canada, Mexico, Germany and the U.K. A Level 3 warning is in place for a smaller group of nations, such as China, Australia and Iceland. Japan is also on the Level 3 list, despite a worrying rise in new coronavirus cases there.

Just a week ago, only 33 countries were on the U.S. Do Not Travel list, according to a cached version of the advisory site . But the State Department warned on Monday that the list would soon include roughly 80% of the world's countries.

More than 150 highest-level travel advisories are in effect — more closely reflecting guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the State Department says.

The CDC's own travel health notices also use a four-tier warning system. For many countries newly added to the State Department's Level 4 list, the CDC cites "a very high level of COVID-19."

As of last week, Brazil and Russia were two of the only large COVID-19 global hotspots on the State Department's most serious warning list. They're now joined by India and virtually all of Europe — places that have seen alarming spikes in new cases.

Bhutan is the only international destination designated as Level 1 — "exercise normal precautions" — on the State Department's travel advisory list.

Sixteen countries are categorized as Level 2 — meaning travelers should exercise increased caution when visiting places such as Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, Belize and Grenada.

Many of the new or updated Do Not Travel notices cite high levels of coronavirus transmission in the relevant country. But the State Department says it also takes other factors into account, from the availability of coronavirus testing to any travel restrictions the countries might have against U.S. citizens.

In roughly 35 countries or destinations, the CDC says, details about the level of COVID-19 risk are unknown. The health agency urges Americans to avoid traveling to those spots, which include Afghanistan, Nicaragua and the Solomon Islands.

Regardless of a particular country's advisory status, the State Department wants all U.S. citizens to reconsider any travel abroad.

"The COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose unprecedented risks to travelers," the agency said.

More than 3 million people have died from COVID-19 worldwide, according to the World Health Organization . Nearly 144 million coronavirus cases have been reported globally, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University .

Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

UK Foreign Office's 'do not travel' list expanded to 31 countries

The foreign office has issued a 'do not travel' warning for 31 countries around the world - and anyone travelling to these destinations could find their holiday insurance invalidated.

• 14:43, 22 AUG 2024

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The UK's Foreign Office has dropped a major update by flagging 31 countries on its 'No Travel' list, throwing a red alert for Brits dreaming of overseas adventures. While the world map is studded with nearly 200 countries and territories, UK holidaymakers now have a hefty list of places to sidestep. Ranging from fears over security risks to ongoing conflicts and wars, these travel advisories cover a gamut of potential dangers. Imminent threats in some hotspots include terrorism and terror attacks, while Mother Nature's fury with wildfires, tornadoes, and tsunamis pose significant hazards elsewhere.

The Foreign Office has issued the following caution: "Get advice and warnings about travel abroad, including entry requirements, safety and security, health risks and legal differences." If you ignore these advisories, you can wave goodbye to the validity of your regular travel insurance, reports Birmingham Live . On the Foreign Office radar advising against all ventures include vast swathes of Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, amongst numerous other nations.

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Here's a snapshot of the countries that have lit up the Foreign Office's 'Do Not Travel' warning board:

The Foreign Office has "do not travel" warnings for Belarus, Russia and Ukraine and there is an all but essential travel warning for significant parts of Kosovo.

Heading to the Middle East?

The Foreign Office has issued an all but essential trips only advisory for Iraq and a 'do not travel' warning for Iran. Israel has a do not travel and all but essential travel warning; Lebanon, Occupied Palestinian territories, Syria and Yemen remains perilous and also have 'do not travel' warnings.

The Foreign Office has issued a 'do not travel' and 'all but essential travel' warning for several countries including Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Western Sahara in Africa.

In the Americas, Haiti and Venezuela have also received the same warning.

In Asia, Afghanistan, Myanmar, North Korea, and Pakistan are on the 'do not travel' list. It's worth noting that North Korea's borders remain closed due to Covid.

For those countries labelled 'all but essential travel,' the Foreign Office advises: "Sometimes we say that only essential travel is advised. Whether travel is essential or not is your own decision. You may have urgent family or business commitments which you need to attend to. Only you can make an informed decision based on your own individual circumstances and the risks."

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