Travel
COVID-19 Travel Advisories
Current global COVID-19 activity levels, regional risk assessments, and evidence-based guidance for travelers — sourced from the WHO, CDC, and official health authorities.
Live Global Activity Map
Global COVID-19 biweekly cases per million. Static map snapshot is shown for reliability, with a direct link to the live interactive explorer.
Regional Risk Overview
WHO regional activity levels based on test positivity and reported case counts. March 2026.
Americas
Cases (last 28 days): ~18,750
Largest reporting region. Activity decreasing from prior period. Countries in Central America, Caribbean, and Temperate South America showed recent elevated test positivity.
Countries include
United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina
Europe
Cases (last 28 days): ~12,023
Steady decrease from elevated levels seen mid-2025. Several countries continue to report hospitalizations. Variant NB.1.8.1 is increasing in the region.
Countries include
France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom
South-East Asia
Cases (last 28 days): ~523
Currently low after a significant surge in mid-2025 that peaked near 14% test positivity. Activity has stabilized at low levels.
Countries include
India, Thailand, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Nepal
Africa
Cases (last 28 days): ~45
Very low reported cases. Note that testing infrastructure varies significantly across sub-Saharan Africa; actual burden may be underreported. Western Africa showing some activity.
Countries include
South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, Egypt
Eastern Mediterranean
Cases (last 28 days): No recent data
Reporting has been inconsistent. Region experienced elevated test positivity in mid-2025 (up to 14%), but current submissions show no confirmed cases in the latest reporting period.
Countries include
Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Iran, Pakistan
Western Pacific
Cases (last 28 days): Not reporting
Countries in this region are no longer formally submitting case counts to WHO. This reflects a change in national reporting policies, not necessarily zero transmission.
Countries include
China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Philippines
Currently Circulating Variants
Global variant prevalence as of week ending March 8, 2026 (WHO sequencing data via GISAID). All current variants are Omicron sublineages and do not pose additional public health risk relative to one another.
COVID-19 Travel Advisories
Current advisory status from official sources, as of April 2026.
CDC: No Active COVID-19-Specific Travel Notices
As of April 2026, the CDC has issued no COVID-specific Travel Health Notices at any advisory level (1–4). COVID-19 is now treated as an endemic respiratory virus. The CDC still recommends staying up to date on vaccines before international travel.
View all current CDC Travel Health NoticesWHO: COVID-19 Globally Low — No Emergency Declaration
The WHO declared the end of COVID-19 as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in May 2023. As of March 2026, global activity remains generally low and stable, with the Americas and Europe accounting for the majority of reported cases. Elevated activity was reported in some countries in Central America, Caribbean, Western Africa, and Oceania.
WHO COVID-19 DashboardIncreased caution for high-risk travelers
Despite low global activity, 90% of COVID-19 deaths in February 2026 occurred in adults aged 65 and over. Travelers who are elderly, immunocompromised, or have underlying health conditions should take enhanced precautions regardless of destination risk level.
Before You Travel
Essential steps to take before departing — especially if traveling to regions with moderate or elevated activity.
Check destination-specific requirements
Visit the CDC Travelers' Health destination pages and review any entry requirements. Some countries still require proof of vaccination or a negative test.
CDC Destination List →Get up to date on COVID-19 vaccines
Ensure you have received the latest updated COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccination significantly reduces risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
Stay Up to Date →Consult your doctor if you are high-risk
Older adults (65+), immunocompromised individuals, and those with underlying conditions should discuss travel plans with their healthcare provider.
High-Risk Conditions →Pack COVID tests and essential supplies
Bring rapid antigen tests, masks (N95/KN95), and any prescription medications. Ensure you have enough medication for the duration of your trip plus extra.
Testing Guidance →Get travel health insurance
Ensure your travel insurance covers COVID-19-related medical care, evacuation, and trip cancellations. Standard policies may exclude pandemic-related claims.
Travel Insurance Info →Review the full CDC Travel Health Notices
Check for any active Travel Health Notices for your destination — these cover COVID-19 and other health risks (dengue, measles, polio, etc.).
Current Travel Notices →While Traveling
Precautions to reduce your risk of COVID-19 exposure during your trip.
Wear a well-fitted mask in crowded spaces
In airports, on planes, trains, and in busy indoor areas, an N95 or KN95 mask provides strong protection, especially in regions with higher activity.
Practice good hygiene constantly
Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer (≥60% alcohol) when handwashing isn't available.
Avoid crowded poorly ventilated spaces
Choose outdoor dining, open-air venues, and well-ventilated spaces when possible. COVID-19 spreads most efficiently in indoor settings with poor air circulation.
Monitor local health authority updates
Conditions can change quickly. Follow local health ministry announcements and check the WHO COVID-19 Dashboard for real-time regional activity.
Know how to access healthcare abroad
Before traveling, locate the nearest hospital or clinic to your destination. Keep your insurance card, emergency contacts, and your country's embassy number accessible.
Test and isolate if you feel symptomatic
If you develop symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, loss of taste/smell), use a rapid antigen test immediately and follow local isolation rules. Do not board flights while sick.
After You Return
Post-travel steps regardless of where you traveled.
Monitor for symptoms for 10 days
Watch for COVID-19 symptoms for 10 days after returning. Common symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell.
Test if symptomatic
Take a rapid antigen test if you develop any symptoms. A PCR test is more sensitive for travelers who have been in high-activity regions.
Notify close contacts if you test positive
If you test positive after returning, inform people you were in close contact with during your trip so they can monitor and test themselves.
Seek treatment promptly
Antiviral treatments (like Paxlovid) are most effective when started within 5 days of symptoms. Contact your healthcare provider immediately upon a positive test.
Live Data & Official Sources
Check these official sources for the most current travel health information before and during your trip.
WHO COVID-19 Dashboard
Real-time global cases, deaths, hospitalizations, variants, and vaccination data by country and WHO region.
Visit source →CDC Travel Health Notices
Level 1–4 travel health notices for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. Updated as outbreaks occur.
Visit source →CDC Travelers' Health — Destinations
Country-by-country health information, required vaccines, health risks, and safety tips for international travelers.
Visit source →U.S. State Dept. Travel Advisories
Level 1–4 safety advisories for every country, covering security, natural disasters, and health risks including COVID.
Visit source →WHO Circulation Dashboard
Detailed SARS-CoV-2 test positivity and wastewater surveillance data by country and subregion.
Visit source →PAHO: COVID-19 Americas Updates
Pan American Health Organization weekly COVID-19 updates for the Western Hemisphere.
Visit source →