The U.S. State Department is set to tag 80% of the world’s countries with a “Do Not Travel” advisory. That’s up from 16% of nations that currently hold that label, according to USA Today.
Getting to 80% would imply adding nearly 130 countries, Reuters notes.
The State Department explained the move as a response to “unprecedented risks.” The number of global COVID-19 cases is hovering around an all-time high, even as cases dip in the U.S. thanks to a vaccination rate among the world’s best.
Reuters points out that “most Americans were already prevented from traveling to much of Europe because of COVID-19 restrictions. Washington has barred nearly all non-U.S. citizens who have recently been in most of Europe, China, Brazil, Iran and South Africa.
USA Today provides more context:
In early April, the CDC said fully vaccinated Americans can resume domestic and international travel at low risk to themselves. But it noted that international travel poses additional risks given the spread of new COVID-19 variants.
Despite the new guidance for vaccinated travelers, the CDC says people should stay home.
“CDC is not recommending travel at this time due to the number of rising cases,” director Rochelle Walensky said at a White House briefing in early April.
Millions of Americans are ignoring the advice, with travel rising steadily this spring, according to Transportation Security Administration screening numbers and optimism about bookings from airline executives.
Mixed messages from the CDC and the State Department have been a feature of the pandemic. The two agencies have often had different advisory levels for the same country – like Mexico, which is a popular destination for Americans.
On Sunday, French President Emmanuel Macron told CBS News that he plans to welcome tourists, including Americans, back to his country as soon as May – but only if they’ve take certain protections. He hinted at the possibility of a vaccine passport.
