The U.S. Department of State has recently listed 80% of countries as “do not travel” on its Travel Advisories list. This is due largely in part to the ongoing uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. With more than 3 million deaths and over 150 million total coronavirus cases worldwide as of May 4, 2021, there is concern that these numbers will only continue to rise if people don’t take the necessary precautions while traveling. So what countries are on the “do not travel” list and what does this mean for those who have travel plans in the near future? Here’s what you need to know:
What Does “Do Not Travel” Mean?
According to the travel.state.gov website, “Level 4 – do not travel is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. During an emergency, the U.S. government may have very limited ability to provide assistance. The Department of State advises that U.S. citizens not travel to the country or to leave as soon as it is safe to do so. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.”
What Countries Are Listed as “Do Not Travel”?
As of May 4, 2021, there are over 100 countries listed as “do not travel.” Some of the countries on this list include:
- Brazil
- Canada
- Germany
- Greece
- India
- Ireland
- Italy
- Mexico
- The Philippines
- South Africa
You can read the complete list of countries on the “do not travel” list at the travel.state.gov website.
What Precautions Should I Take if I Travel to One of the Countries on the List?
If you plan on traveling to one of the countries on the “do not travel” list or anywhere else in the world, there are some basic precautions you should take to keep yourself and those around you safe. While away, be sure to wash your hands frequently, keep your distance from others, wear a mask over your nose and mouth, sanitize your frequently touched items, and most importantly, be respectful to those around you. Taking these simple steps will help keep everyone safe and can help to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Is it Safe to Travel Right Now?
Millions of people worldwide have already received the coronavirus vaccine, with more and more continuing to receive the vaccine each month. For example, as of May 4, 2021, here’s a list of the number of vaccine doses that have been administered per 100 people by country:
- The United Kingdom: 75 doses per 100 people
- The United States: 73.8 doses per 100 people
- Canada: 37.2 doses per 100 people
- Germany: 36 doses per 100 people
- Italy: 35 doses per 100 people
Even with the vaccine continuing to rollout worldwide, you must continue to take precautions while traveling. The best way to keep yourself and others safe is to wear a mask over your nose and mouth, wash your hands, sanitize your frequently touched items, keep your distance from others, and be respectful of those around you.
You can stay up to date with the latest travel advisory levels for each country by going here. If you plan on traveling in the near future, stay safe, stay healthy, and most of all, enjoy your trip. As always, if you need help obtaining a passport or visa, please don’t hesitate to contact our team. Wherever you plan on going, we look forward to helping you get to your destination!
