After nearly five months, the US Department of State (DOS) has lifted its Level 4 travel advisory warning US citizens to avoid international travel due to COVID-19.
The agency first issued the global Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory on March 19, 2020 for deteriorating epidemiological conditions worldwide and the US government’s limited ability to assist US citizens abroad. The State Department issues travel advisories on a scale of one to four for countries’ level of risk due to multiple factors including political unrest, natural disasters, and epidemiological conditions. Low-risk countries are classified as Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. Countries with slightly elevated risks in any or all categories are labeled as Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Travel is discouraged to countries labeled as Level 3: Reconsider Travel, while all nonessential travel should be avoided for countries classified as Level 4: Do Not Travel.
The DOS will now return to its previous policy of issuing advisories on a country-by-country basis. Although the global Level 4 advisory has been lifted, the DOS advises US citizens to check country-specific travel advisories prior to travel. The agency also cautions that many countries have their own specific policies and regulations for travelers due to COVID-19. Globally, COVID-19 restrictions are still subject to change. You can find the latest country regulations in our online resource here.
The DOS encourages all US citizens preparing for international travel, or who are already located abroad, to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive critical alerts and communications from the US government.
