11 Countries You Should Avoid Travelling To Right Now Due To 'Very High' Levels Of COVID-19

The CDC says travellers should "avoid" these spots, many of which are in Europe and the Caribbean.👇❌

Managing Editor, Canada

If you've been dreaming of travelling to Europe or the Caribbean this spring, you may have to delay your trip.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to advise against all non-essential travel to a number of popular tourist destinations due to the "very high" levels of COVID-19 there.

This includes countries like the U.K., Cuba, the Bahamas and Switzerland, among many others.

While the full list of Level 4 countries can be found on the CDC's website, here are a few that may be on your bucket list right now:

Cuba

If you were hoping to escape the Canadian chill by heading to Cuba, it's worth knowing that the CDC currently lists it as a Level 4 country, which means the COVID-19 levels there are considered to be "very high."

While the Government of Canada does have more general travel health notices in place, it does not currently have advisories that are specific to COVID-19. In February, it dropped its official non-essential travel advisory.

Instead, it warns, "The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad."

The U.K.

The CDC warns that the U.K. continues to record high levels of COVID-19, which means it's considered a risky place to take a vacation right now.

"Even fully vaccinated travelers may be at risk for getting and spreading COVID-19 variants," the advisory reads.

Perhaps these places in Canada that look like Europe could be an alternative?

Antigua and Barbuda

Unfortunately for anybody hoping to head to the Caribbean, Antigua and Barbuda are also on the CDC's no-go list right now.

It's been a Level 4 country since September 20 and therefore all non-essential travel should be avoided.

Switzerland

Although spending the spring in Switzerland sounds pretty magical, it might be worth the season in Canada this year.

That's because Switzerland, along with other dreamy spots like Norway and Austria, is considered to have "very high" levels of COVID-19 at the moment.

Singapore

If you've been dreaming of Singapore, there's bad news ahead.

The country has been listed as a Level 4 spot since October 18, and officials warn that the COVID-19 situation there is risky, even for fully vaccinated travellers.

Barbados

Unpack your sunnies and your favourite swimsuit, because Barbados is also off the table.

Since early October 2021, the CDC has urged against all non-essential travel to this region due to pandemic-related concerns.

Belgium

While watching the flowers bloom in Europe would be incredible, it's one of a number of iconic tourist destinations in Europe that have ended up on the CDC's Level 4 list.

Sadly Belgium is included, although there are plenty of cozy Canadian spots that may make you feel like you're abroad (even if you're not!).

Norway

Exploring Norway is understandably a bucket-list experience, but doing so may not be advisable this year.

That's because the country continues to have high levels of COVID-19 and has been considered a Level 4 country by the CDC since September 2021.

The Bahamas

The bad news just keeps on coming, as the Bahamas is listed as a Level 3 country due to its ongoing COVID-19 situation.

This means you should be extra careful if you're planning a trip there, even if you're fully vaccinated.

Don't worry, the Bahamas will wait for you.

The Netherlands

While the Netherlands is probably pretty impressive during the spring season, it may not be the best time to travel there.

Since last year, the CDC has advised travellers to avoid any non-essential trips to the country due to its apparent "very high" levels of COVID-19.

Costa Rica

If Central America is where you've been dreaming of going, it's probably worth knowing that Costa Rica is on the CDC's Level 4 list, as is Belize.

The good news is that the COVID-19 situation is slightly better in places like El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, although all those three are still considered to have "high levels" of COVID-19.

Maybe in the summer time, eh?

This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

  • Managing Editor

    Helena Hanson (she/her) is the Managing Editor of Canada for Narcity and MTL Blog, where she brings her expertise in dreamy, aspirational travel journalism to life. A first-class graduate of Cardiff University's School of Journalism, Helena has a passion for inspiring readers to discover the magic in their own backyards. Originally from the U.K., Helena has spent years uncovering hidden gems and must-see destinations across countries like Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, and more. Having lived in both Canada and Australia, she's become a seasoned expert in off-the-beaten-path adventures and bucket-list experiences that don't break the bank. Whether she's writing about things to do in Ottawa, Montreal, or her favourite spot—Disney World—Helena hopes to leave readers dreaming of their next adventure.

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