United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
US State Department raising Covid alert level for most countries
The US is about to make it harder for Americans to head overseas on vacation.
The U.S. State Department will significantly increase its ‘Do Not Travel’ advisories to more than three-quarters of countries around the world.
That will more than triple the 34 countries currently listed as Level 4: ‘Do Not Travel.’
"This update 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.
That amounts to nearly 130 countries.
The White House hasn’t said when the new advisories will become effective.
The U.S. State Department is making the sweeping changes to ‘better reflect the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s science-based Travel Health Notices.’
Until now, the State Department’s travel advisories have differed to those issued by the CDC for some countries such as popular vacation destinations Mexico and the Bahamas.
"Our advisories also take into account logistical factors, including in-country testing availability and current travel restrictions for U.S. citizens," it said.
The Covid situation in many countries still represents ‘unprecedented risks to travelers.
"In light of those risks, the Department of State strongly recommends US citizens reconsider all travel abroad.”
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Mark Jaronski of Explore Georgia on FIFA World Cup 2026
Connecting Small Businesses to Global Tourism Markets: Nate Huff of Tourism Exchange
North Carolina’s Resilience: Wit Tuttell on Recovery and Tourism
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel
Foreign Office issues travel advisory for winter sun destinations