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People strolling at Galeao International Airport in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on April 13, 2021. Brazil is one of those listed as “Level 4: Do not travel” by the State Department.
Photo of MAURO PIMENTEL / AFP via Getty Images
The U.S. State Department said Monday it will offer “Don’t Travel” advice to about 80 percent of countries around the world.
“The State Department strongly recommends U.S. citizens to reconsider all travel abroad,” the agency said in a statement.
At least 34 of about 200 countries were already listed as “Level 4: No Travel,” the department’s highest warning. They include Russia, Kenya, Haiti, Brazil and Argentina.
Reaching 80% would mean adding about 130 countries to this target.
The agency said the measure does not mean it has reassessed the current health situation in some countries, but “reflects an adjustment” aimed at relying more on the existing assessment of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“As always, we are closely monitoring conditions around the world and will regularly update our specific destination tips for U.S. travelers as conditions evolve,” the statement said.
Most Americans were already banned from traveling to much of Europe due to COVID-19 restrictions.
With publishing cables