15 Key Travel Advisories Announced in February 2021

February was another busy month for the U.S. State Department, which issued dozens of updated travel advisories, most of which are related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Here's a look at some of the key pieces of advice for some of the most notable destinations included over the past month.

The State Department is recommending that Americans reconsider travel to Egypt right now due to COVID-19 and advises them to exercise increased caution in the country due to the threat of terrorism and the Embassy's "limited ability to assist dual national U.S.-Egyptian citizens who are arrested or detained." Egypt is currently open to Americans who can present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours of departure.

Another Level 3 destination as of February 1, the State Department urges travelers to reconsider any plans to visit the Philippines due to the coronavirus crisis. The department also warns of crime, terrorism, civil unrest and kidnapping, pointing out that some areas of the country have increased risk.

As of February 1, the U.S. State Department advises Americans to reconsider travel to St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the Caribbean due to health and safety measures and COVID-related conditions. The destination is currently open to U.S. travelers with testing and quarantine protocols in place.

Seychelles is open to vaccinated travelers with proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure. However, the State Department encourages Americans to reconsider any plans to visit the East African archipelago due to the pandemic. "Seychelles has resumed most transportation options but maintains restrictions on international travelers from certain countries," the State Department advised on February 1.

Americans are being asked to reconsider travel to Sri Lanka due to COVID-19 and exercise increased caution in the South Asian island country due to terrorism. Sri Lanka is open to travelers, but they'll need a negative COVID-19 test result and two-week reservations at an approved hotel or resort.

Travelers are advised to reconsider plans to visit the British Virgin Islands due to health and safety measures and COVID-related conditions. The Caribbean destination recently reopened for tourism with enhanced health and safety protocols in place.

Jamaica has established resilient corridors to safely resume tourism amid the pandemic, but the State Department continues to recommend that Americans reconsider travel to the Caribbean island due to health and safety measures and COVID-related conditions. Travelers are also advised to exercise increased caution in Jamaica due to crime and avoid parts of Kingston, Montego Bay and Spanish Town due to the threat of violence.

Like most of Europe, Spain continues to be closed to Americans. As of February 11, the State Department encourages travelers to reconsider plans to visit Spain due to COVID-19 and also warns of potential terrorism and civil unrest. "Limited transportation options are available, and some businesses are operating, usually with significant restrictions. Entry restrictions or quarantine measures are in place for most U.S. citizen travelers," the U.S. government states.

Belize is also listed at a Level 3 due to COVID-19, but the Central American country has worked hard to safely welcome visitors back amid the pandemic, establishing and expanding a safe corridor for pre-tested arrivals.

Travelers are encouraged to reconsider travel to Panama at the moment due to COVID-19 and exercise increased caution due to crime. The State Department advises Americans to avoid travel to parts of the Mosquito Gulf and Darien Region due to the threat of crime.

Portugal remains at a Level 3 as of February 16, with the State Department warning that "limited transportation options are available, and some border crossings by land are closed with most flight routes suspended." "Only essential businesses, such as supermarkets, pharmacies, and medical services are operating," the U.S. government adds. "Entry restrictions, pre-flight COVID-19 testing and quarantine measures are in place for U.S. citizen travelers."

The State Department reissued its Level 4 travel advisory for the islands of Turks and Caicos on February 16, urging Americans to avoid travel to the Caribbean destination because of health and safety measures and COVID-related conditions. The U.S. government also warns of crime. "Travelers to the Turks and Caicos Islands may experience border closures, airport closures, travel prohibitions, stay-at-home orders, business closures and other emergency conditions within the Turks and Caicos Islands due to COVID-19," the State Department published.

Grenada is one of the few countries to be listed at a Level 2 heading into March. The State Department continues to encourage Americans to exercise increased caution in the Caribbean destination due to health and safety measures and COVID-related conditions. The island has been prioritizing safety since reopening its borders last year, requiring visitors to have proof of health insurance that covers COVID-19 in addition to a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of departure.

The Mediterranean island nation of Cyprus is listed at a Level 3 heading into March due to COVID-19. However, Americans will have to put their plans to visit on hold anyway as the State Department warns that "quarantine measures or entry restrictions are in place for certain U.S. citizen travelers."

Like most destinations in the Caribbean, Saint Lucia is listed at a Level 3, with the State Department advising that U.S. travelers reconsider plans to visit the island nation due to health and safety measures and COVID-related conditions. Right now, visitors age five and older must provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within five days of arrival, complete a travel registration form and have confirmed reservations at a COVID-certified hotel or resort.