NOTE: This post usually updates on Tuesdays.
The Center For Disease Control (CDC) has updated its weekly list of high-risk countries. Four poplular countries have moved up to the very high-risk, level 4 countries. The list of country designations continues to be a moving target with some countries moving up the list and some moving down to lower categories.
Countries Reopening In The Next 30 Days
- Chile is now open to fully vaccinated visitors without quarantine. If the results of a PCR test completed upon arrival into one of three Chilean airports (Iquique, Antofagasta, and Arturo Merino Benítez) are negative, the quarantine requirements will be waived.
- India is now open if visitors are fully vaccinated and test negative for Covid within 72 hours of arrival to India. The Indian travel ban was set to expire on November 15th and has been extended to November 30, 2021.
- Fiji is expected to reopen to tourists on December 1, 2021. The requirements will be full vaccinations, a negative PCR test within 72 hours of arrival and an rapid test was taken within 48 hours of arrival.
Unvaccinated Americans Returning To the United States
If you are an American who is not vaccinated, returning to the United States will get more complicated. The new travel rules will make two significant changes:
- The testing window for return Covid testing will be reduced from three days down to one day. This means a Covid test was conducted 24 hours prior to departure.
- Unvaccinated travelers will be required to test again after they return to the United States. Where and when this test is to be performed has yet to be decided.
The new testing window for unvaccinated Americans can be problematic because you will need an approved test with a fast turnaround time for the results. You will have to show proof of a negative Covid test prior to boarding your flight.
Requirement for Proof of Negative COVID-19 Test or Recovery from COVID-19 for All Air Passengers Arriving in the United States can be found here.
Countries Moving Up To Level 4
Destinations that fall into the “Covid-19 very high” Level 4 category have had more than 500 cases per 100,000 residents in the past 28 days, according to CDC parameters. The Level 3 category applies to destinations that have had between 100 and 500 cases per 100,000 residents in the past 28 days. This week, there are currently 79 destinations that remain at Level 4.
These countries have moved up the list to level 4 from previously lower levels. The main reason this has happened is that the CDC has received more complete data on the actual conditions in those countries.
- Cayman Islands
- Faroe Islands
- Luxembourg
- Netherlands
Here are popular countries remaining at level 4. Many of the latest countries that remain at level 4 are the most popular vacation destinations in Europe due to a surge in the Delta variant.
- Austria
- Barbados
- Belgium
- Botswana
- Croatia
- Greece
- Maldives
- Switzerland
- Turkey
- United Kingdom
There were 80 countries at Level 4 as of November 8.
These Countries Have Moved To Level 3
Four countries on the list this week have either improved or were downgraded. They are:
- Iran – previously level 4
- Republic of Congo – previously level 4
- Sint Martin – previously level 4
- Thailand – previously level 4
Countries That Have Improved To Level 2
- Nepal – previously level 3
- United Arab Emirates – previously level 3
Countries Now Reported At Level 1
• Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
• Guinea-Bissau
• Malawi
• Rwanda
• Sudan
Popular Countries With Unknown Risks
The following countries have insufficient data for the CDC to assign a risk level:
- Cambodia
- Madagascar
- Nicaragua
- Syria
General Guidance
CDC guidance for Level 3 and Level 4 destinations urges unvaccinated travelers to avoid nonessential travel to those locations. The CDC also recommends avoiding all international travel until you are fully vaccinated.
The Full List And Travel Advisories
The full list along with travel advisories from the CDC can be found here. This list changes weekly so it might be a site to add to your travel bookmarks.
All air passengers coming to the United States, including U.S. citizens, are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board a flight to the United States. See the Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Final Thoughts
The list of countries that the CDC maintains continues to change every week as more data is known. Some countries have improved and some have declined. Some countries including the United States improve and then fall into a state of decline. This CDC list and advisories are posted to help you make an educated decision on whether to travel or not.
The next update is scheduled for November 16, 2021.
