CDC Designates Popular Caribbean Destination at High-Risk

Image: A picturesque Aruban coastline. (photo courtesy of Aruba Tourism Authority)
Image: A picturesque Aruban coastline. (photo courtesy of Aruba Tourism Authority)
Rich Thomaselli
by Rich Thomaselli
Last updated: 10:10 AM ET, Wed January 5, 2022

Aruba has long marketed itself as the ideal Caribbean vacation for tourists and honeymooners.

The island has consistent warm temperatures, cool breezes, calm turquoise and silver beaches on one side and deep blue waters on the other. Even better, Aruba, as it likes to make clear, sits completely outside the hurricane belt.

There aren't many factors preventing you from going.

Well, maybe except the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC on Tuesday placed Aruba on a Level 4 alert, its highest designation of risk factors, and warned Americans against traveling to the island nation at this time.

"If you must travel to Aruba, make sure you are fully vaccinated before travel," the CDC said in a travel notice. "Because of the current situation in Aruba, even fully vaccinated travelers may be at risk for getting and spreading COVID-19 variants."

As per CDC parameters set when the pandemic first hit almost two years ago, Level 4 means a destination is averaging 500 cases of COVID-19 for every 100,000 residents over the previous 28 days.

"Travelers should follow recommendations or requirements in Aruba, including wearing a mask and staying 6 feet apart from others," the CDC said.

Last week, the CDC added three more European countries to its growing list of Level 4 destinations, as the Omicron variant of the virus continues to rapidly spread throughout the world.

For the latest insight on travel around the world, check out this interactive guide:

For the latest travel news, updates, and deals, be sure to subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter here.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Rich Thomaselli

Rich Thomaselli

Associate Writer

Editor Associate Writer true 9281 14744 Rich Thomaselli has written for TravelPulse since 2014 and has been a professional journalist for nearly 40 years. His work has appeared in USA Today, the New York Times and New York Yankees publications. He is an 11-time writ

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Discover Houston, A World in a CityMonday, June 22, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Visit Houston for an inside look at one of the country’s most dynamic and diverse destinations....
Upcoming Webinar
Why Cruise, When You Can CunardWednesday, June 24 2026
2:00pm Eastern
When cruise is the option, Cunard is the difference. This session explores what sets the Cunard...
Upcoming Webinar
July AAT Kings WebinarTuesday, July 7, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Save your spot for this upcoming webinar! Details coming soon!
Upcoming Webinar
Discover Houston, A World in a CityMonday, June 22, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Visit Houston for an inside look at one of the country’s most dynamic and diverse destinations....
Upcoming Webinar
Why Cruise, When You Can CunardWednesday, June 24 2026
2:00pm Eastern
When cruise is the option, Cunard is the difference. This session explores what sets the Cunard...
Upcoming Webinar
July AAT Kings WebinarTuesday, July 7, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Save your spot for this upcoming webinar! Details coming soon!