The CDC Just Added 11 New Countries to Its Highest Risk Category for Travel

The list of countries deemed “very high” risk for COVID-19 by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to grow, as 11 more destinations were just moved to the highest risk category. The CDC currently categorizes countries by four levels based on their COVID-19 infection rates. 

The worst warning level is “Level 4: COVID Level Very High”, for which the CDC advises, “Avoid travel to these destinations. If you must travel to these destinations, make sure you are fully vaccinated before travel.” 

The following countries were just moved to Level 4: 

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• Albania
• Afghanistan
• Belize
• Grenada
• Guatemala
• Israel
• Lithuania
• Mauritius
• Serbia
• Slovenia
• St. Kitts and Nevis

Last week, the CDC also moved Brunei, Jamaica, and Sri Lanka to Level 4. This brings the total number of countries rated as “very high” to 86.

The CDC still recommends against any form of international travel until you are fully vaccinated. “Fully vaccinated travelers are less likely to get and spread COVID-19,” the agency warns. “However, international travel poses additional risk and even fully vaccinated travelers might be at increased risk for getting and possibly spreading some COVID-19 variants.”

If you do travel internationally, the CDC advises fully vaccinated travelers to get a COVID-19 test 3-5 days after travel and self-monitor symptoms. Unvaccinated international travelers should self-quarantine for seven days after travel, in addition to testing 3-5 days after travel and self-monitoring symptoms.