10 Key Travel Advisories Announced in November 2020

The U.S. State Department has been extra busy reissuing and updating travel advisories for individual countries and territories ahead of the holiday season. As international travel slowly begins what will undoubtedly be a long recovery, here are some of the most notable updates from the past month.

As of November 20, the British Virgin Islands is listed at a Level 3 (reconsider travel) due to health and safety measures and COVID-related conditions. The islands, which are planning to reopen to tourism on December 1, have received a Level 1 Travel Health Notice from the CDC. "All travelers should wear a mask, stay at least six feet from people who are not from your household, wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer, and watch your health for signs of illness," the CDC states.

The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 1 (exercise normal precautions) travel advisory for New Zealand, pointing out that the country continues to enforce border restrictions due to COVID-19. Currently, New Zealand's borders are closed to almost all travelers.

Thailand is listed at Level 1 on the State Department's travel advisory scale as of November 23. However, the department reminds travelers that "Thailand's borders are still closed for all foreign nationals with few exceptions." The U.S. government is also asking citizens to reconsider travel to Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla provinces due to civil unrest.

The State Department has issued a Level 2 (exercise increased caution) travel advisory for Australia heading into December due to the pandemic. "Australia has resumed most transportation options, (including airport operations and limited re-opening of inter-state borders) and business operations (including daycares and schools). Australia continues to enforce border restrictions due to COVID-19 and remains closed to international travelers with limited exceptions," the department reported.

U.S. citizens are advised to exercise increased caution when visiting Barbados this winter "due to health and safety measures and COVID-related conditions." Barbados has also received a Level 2 Travel Health Notice from the CDC. "Travelers at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 should avoid all nonessential travel to the following destinations," the CDC advises.

St. Kitts and Nevis recently reopened to tourism but Americans are advised to exercise increased caution due to health and safety measures and COVID-related conditions. The CDC encourages all travelers to wear a mask, social distance, wash their hands frequently and monitor their health for signs of illness.

Elsewhere in the Caribbean, Saint Lucia is currently listed at a Level 2 (exercise increased caution) due to health and safety measures and COVID-related conditions. The Island also received a Level 2 Travel Health Notice from the CDC, which advises travelers at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 to avoid all nonessential travel.

Americans should also exercise increased caution in South Korea due to COVID-19, the State Department advised in its November 23 update. "U.S. citizens are reminded that a mandatory 14-day quarantine remains in effect for inbound travelers," the department added.

The U.S. State Department dropped the Level 4 "do not travel" advisory for the Dominican Republic this November but still asks citizens to reconsider travel to the Caribbean country due to the ongoing threat of coronavirus. The CDC issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for the Dominican Republic, recommending against travel this winter.

The U.S. State Department recommends that Americans reconsider travel to the Bahamas this winter due to health and safety measures and COVID-related conditions. The department also encourages travelers to exercise caution in some areas of the islands due to crime. Meanwhile, the CDC advises travelers to avoid the Bahamas, issuing a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for the destination.

"The wellbeing of all persons who live in or visit The Bahamas is of paramount importance, and a number of public health measures, such as mask-wearing, physical distancing and hand sanitization, are strictly enforced to protect citizens, residents and visitors alike," the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation said in a statement on November 25. "The Bahamas remains open and ready to welcome visitors who comply with travel and entry protocols, and abide by the health and safety regulations that protect the common good."