CDC Updates Travel Advisories for Over 40 Worldwide Destinations

Image: Negev Desert, Israel (Photo by Lauren Breedlove)
Image: Negev Desert, Israel (Photo by Lauren Breedlove)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 8:47 AM ET, Wed January 19, 2022

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced it had added 22 countries and territories to its travel advisory lists due to a rising number of COVID-19 cases around the world.

According to Reuters.com, the CDC revealed that it had lowered its travel recommendations to "Level Four: Very High" and told Americans to avoid travel to several popular destinations impacted by the Omicron surge.

The countries and territories the CDC added to the Level 4 list include Albania, Argentina, Australia, the Bahamas, Bahrain, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Bolivia, Egypt, Israel, Panama, Saint Lucia, Suriname, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uruguay and more.

In total, the CDC now lists just over 100 countries and territories at "Level 4," the agency's highest warning level.

The CDC also revealed on Tuesday it had added another 20 countries to the "Level 3: High" warning level, including Costa Rica, Cuba, Jamaica, Kuwait and Uganda. The government agency recommends that unvaccinated Americans avoid nonessential travel to those destinations.

Last month, the CDC updated Jamaica from a Level 3 designation to a Level 2 designation, but the agency raised the level again this week. In the same report, the CDC warned Americans that travel to Malta, Moldova and Sweden now carries a 'Level 4: Very High' risk designation.

At the end of December, the CDC also elevated its travel warning for cruise ships from Level 3 to Level 4. The warning advises people to avoid traveling by cruise ship regardless of their COVID-19 vaccination status and comes on the heels of a recent uptick in coronavirus cases.


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

Donald Wood

Donald Wood

Managing Editor

Donald Wood is TravelPulse’s Managing Editor, bringing nearly 15 years of experience to the desk. He currently lives outside Philadelphia with his wife and two children.

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
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
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
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
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...
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
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...
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...