no travel zones in the world

Places the U.S. Government Warns Not to Travel Right Now

You may want to reconsider traveling to these countries right now.

Do Not Travel to These Countries

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Crime, civil unrest and terrorism are common risk factors for countries that end up on the State Department's "Do Not Travel" advisory list.

In 2024, tourism across the globe is “well on track” to return to pre-pandemic levels, according to projections by UN Tourism.

Global conflicts and natural disasters , ranging from a series of coups across Africa to catastrophic earthquakes in the Middle East affected international travel patterns throughout 2023. Still, international tourist arrivals reached 87% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023, according to estimates by UN Tourism .

In January 2024 alone, about 4.6 million U.S. citizens left the country for international destinations, 17% higher than the same month in 2019, according to the International Trade Administration . But some destinations warrant more caution than others.

On Oct. 19, 2023, following the outbreak of war between Israel and Gaza and flaring tensions in the region, the U.S. State Department issued a worldwide caution advisory due to “increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.” Prior to this update, the most recent worldwide caution advisory was issued in 2022 after a U.S. strike killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden’s successor as leader of Al Qaeda, causing “a higher potential for anti-American violence.” The worldwide caution advisory remains in effect.

The U.S. State Department also issues individual travel advisory levels for more than 200 countries globally, continually updating them based on a variety of risk indicators such as health, terrorism and civil unrest. Travel advisory levels range from Level 1, which means exercise normal precautions, to Level 4, which means do not travel there.

About 10% of countries – 19 total – have a Level 4: “Do Not Travel” advisory as of Mar. 4. In Level 4 countries, the U.S. government may have “very limited ability” to step in should travelers’ safety or security be at risk, according to the State Department. Crime, civil unrest, kidnapping and terrorism are common risk factors associated with Level 4 countries.

So far in 2024, the State Department made changes to the existing Level 4 advisories for Myanmar, Iran and Gaza, and moved Niger and Lebanon off of the Level 4 list.

Places With a Level 4 Travel Advisory

These are the primary areas the U.S. government says not to travel to right now, in alphabetical order:

Jump to Place: Afghanistan Belarus Burkina Faso Central African Republic Myanmar (formerly Burma) Gaza Haiti Iran Iraq Libya Mali Mexico North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) Russia Somalia South Sudan Sudan Syria Ukraine Venezuela Yemen

Afghanistan: The Central Asian country is wrestling with “terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping and crime,” according to the State Department. U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for wrongful detention and kidnapping. In 2022, the government reinstituted public floggings and executions, and women’s rights are disappearing under Taliban control. The U.S. Embassy in Kabul halted operations in August 2021. Since the Taliban took control , many forms of international aid have been halted . Meanwhile, in 2023, some of the year’s deadliest earthquakes killed more than 2,400 in Afghanistan while the country continues to face a years-long extreme drought.

Belarus: Belarus, which shares a western border with Russia and a southern border with Ukraine, has been flagged for “Belarusian authorities’ continued facilitation of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the buildup of Russian military forces in Belarus, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the potential of civil unrest, the risk of detention, and the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Belarus.” The U.S. Embassy in Minsk halted operations in February 2022.

Burkina Faso: Terrorism, crime and kidnapping are plaguing this West African nation. Terrorist attacks may target hotels, restaurants and schools with little to no warning, and the East and Sahel regions of the country are under a state of emergency. In late November 2023, hundreds died in clashes between state security forces and rebels near the country’s border with Mali. In June, more than 2 million people in Burkina Faso were displaced due to “violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.”

Central African Republic: While there have not been specific incidents of U.S. citizens targeted with violence or crime, violent crime and sudden closure of roads and borders is common. The advisory states that “Embassy Bangui’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens, crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping” is a factor in its assessment. Recent data from UNICEF suggests the country has the worst drinking water accessibility of all countries in 2022.

Myanmar (Formerly Burma): Armed conflict and civil unrest are the primary reasons to not travel to this Southeast Asian country, which experienced a military coup in early 2021. Limited health care resources, wrongful detentions and “areas with land mines and unexploded ordnance” are also listed as risk factors. After Ukraine and Israel, Myanmar had the highest conflict-related death toll in 2023.

Gaza : Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization as designated by the State Department, controls much of the Gaza Strip, which shares borders with both Israel and Egypt. On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas fighters broke across the border into Israel, killing hundreds of civilians and soldiers in a brazen attack that stunned Israelis. On Oct. 10, Israel hit the Gaza Strip with “the fiercest air strikes in its 75-year conflict” according to Reuters . The conflict has since escalated into war between Israel and Hamas, with regular Israeli airstrikes leading to extensive civilian casualties in Gaza. As of mid-December, nearly 85% of Gaza’s population were displaced from their homes, according to UN estimates . The region continues to face shortages of food , water, electricity and medical supplies , with conditions deemed “far beyond a humanitarian crisis.” The State Department warns of terrorism and armed conflict within Gaza’s borders.

Haiti: In July 2023, the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince in response to the increased risk of kidnapping and violent crime in the country , as well as armed conflict between gangs and police. The travel advisory states that cases of kidnapping “often involve ransom negotiations and U.S. citizen victims have been physically harmed during kidnappings.” The travel advisory also states that “U.S. citizens in Haiti should depart Haiti as soon as possible” given “the current security situation and infrastructure challenges.” A series of gang attacks in late September 2023 caused thousands to flee their homes, and many aid groups have been forced to cut or suspend operations amid escalating violence in recent months.

Iran: Terrorism, kidnapping and civil unrest are risk factors for all travelers to Iran, while U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for “arbitrary arrest.” U.S.-Iranian nationals such as students, journalists and business travelers have been arrested on charges of espionage and threatening national security. Executions in Iran rose sharply between 2021 and 2022, bringing the country’s total to nearly 580 people over the year, according to a report by Amnesty International released in May 2023.

Iraq: The State Department cites “terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict [and] civil unrest” as cause for the country’s Level 4 distinction. Iraq’s northern borders, and its border with Syria, are especially dangerous. Since the escalation of conflict in neighboring Israel in October, there has been an increase in attacks against Iraqi military bases, which host U.S. troops and other international forces. In October 2023, non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members were ordered to leave the U.S. embassy in Baghdad.

Libya: Following the end of its dictatorship over a decade ago, Libya has been wrought with internal conflict between armed groups in the East and West. Armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, kidnapping and terrorism are all risk factors. U.S. citizens have been targets of kidnapping for ransom, with terrorists targeting hotels and airports frequented by Westerners. The U.S. Embassy in Tripoli halted operations in 2014. In mid-September 2023, floods, which some say were intensified by climate change , killed thousands in eastern Libya. Clashes between armed factions escalated across the country in the latter half of 2023, including in the capital city of Tripoli and in Benghazi.

Mali: After experiencing military coups in 2020 and 2021, crime, terrorism and kidnapping are all prevalent threats in this West African landlocked nation. In July 2022, non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families were ordered to leave the country due to higher risk of terrorist activity. A U.N. report in August 2023 said that military groups in the country, including both Mali security forces and possibly Russian Wagner mercenaries, were spreading terror through the use of violence against women and human rights abuses. Democratic elections were supposed to occur in February 2024, but Mali’s military junta postponed the plans indefinitely. In December, the U.N. officially ended a decade-long peacekeeping presence in the country, which had been among the agency’s deadliest missions, with hundreds of the mission personnel killed since 2013.

Mexico: Each state in Mexico is assessed separately for travel advisory levels. Six of the 32 states in Mexico are designated as Level 4: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas. Crime and kidnapping are listed as the primary risk factors throughout the country. Nearly 112,000 people were missing across the country as of October, a number the U.N. has called “alarming.”

North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea): U.S. passports are not valid for travel “to, in, or through” this country, home to one of the world's longest-running dynastic dictatorships. The travel advisory states that the Level 4 distinction is due to “the continuing serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals.” In July 2023, a U.S. soldier fled across the border into North Korea, where he is believed to be in North Korean custody, the first American detained in the North in nearly five years. He was returned to U.S. custody in September 2023.

Russia: The travel advisory for Russia cites its invasion of Ukraine , harassment of U.S. citizens by Russian government officials and arbitrary law enforcement as a few of the reasons for the Level 4 designation. Chechnya and Mount Elbrus are specifically listed as Level 4 regions. Terrorism, civil unrest, health, kidnapping and wrongful detention are all noted as risks.

Russia Invades Ukraine: A Timeline

Somalia: A severe drought resulting from five failed rainy seasons in a row killed 43,000 people in 2022, and caused a famine amid conflict with Islamist insurgents . Violent crime is common throughout Somalia , pirates frequent its coast off the Horn of Africa, and medical facilities, where they exist, have limited capacity. Crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health and kidnapping are all risk factors. In January 2024, some passengers aboard a U.N.-contracted helicopter were taken hostage by al-Shabaab militants after the vehicle crashed in central Somalia.

South Sudan: Crime, kidnapping and armed conflict are the primary risk factors for South Sudan, which separated from Sudan in 2011, making it the world’s newest country . Weapons are readily available, and travelers have been victims of sexual assault and armed robbery.

Sudan: The U.S. evacuated its embassy in Khartoum in April 2023, and the country closed its airspace due to the ongoing conflict in the country, only permitting humanitarian aid and evacuation efforts. Fighting has escalated in the region between two warring generals seeking to gain control after a military coup in 2021 ousted the country’s prime minister. Civil unrest is the primary risk factor for Africa’s third largest country by area. Crime, terrorism, kidnapping and armed conflict are also noted. The International Criminal Court began investigating alleged war crimes and violence against African ethnic groups in the country in 2023. Millions have fled their homes due to conflict, and the U.N. has said its efforts to provide aid have been hindered by a lack of support, safety and resources. As recently as December 2023, the United Nations warned of catastrophic famine , with millions of children at-risk for malnutrition .

Syria: The advisory states that “No part of Syria is safe from violence,” with terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict and risk of unjust detention all potential risk factors. U.S. citizens are often a target for kidnappings and detention. The U.S. Embassy in Damascus halted operations in 2012. Fighting in neighboring Israel has escalated since October, and the conflict has spilled over into Syria, where the U.S. has carried out air strikes following drone and rocket attacks against American troops in Syria and Iraq, triggered by the Israel-Hamas war.

Ukraine: Russian setbacks in their invasion of Ukraine buoyed hopes in Ukraine in 2023. However, Ukraine is a Level 4 country due to Russia’s invasion, with crime and civil unrest also noted as risk factors. The country’s forces shot down two Russian fighter jets on Christmas Eve 2023, in a move Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said “sets the right mood for the entire year ahead.”

Venezuela: Human rights abuses and lack of health care plague this South American nation, which has been in a political crisis since 2014. In 2019, diplomatic personnel were withdrawn from the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. Threats in the country include crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, wrongful detention and poor health infrastructure.

Yemen: Six of the nine risk factors defined by the State Department – terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict and landmines – are all present in Yemen. Despite private companies offering tourist visits to the Yemeni island of Socotra, the U.S. government argues those arranging such visits “are putting tourists in danger.” Civil war and cholera are also both present throughout the country. The U.S. Embassy in Sanaa halted operations in 2015. The country has experienced a relative lull in the civil war fighting, but as peace negotiations have gotten traction, flare ups in the fighting have jeopardized progress. Most recently, the U.S. and U.K. have carried out a series of airstrikes in the country, targeting Iran-backed Houthi sites.

Other Countries to Watch

Since Jan. 1, the State Department has updated travel advisories for 17 different countries as well as for the West Bank and Gaza, adding information about specific regions or risk factors, or simply renewing an existing advisory. Travel advisory levels can change based on several factors in a nation, such as increased civil unrest, policies that affect human rights or higher risks of unlawful detention.

The State Department has given about 25 countries an assessment of Level 3, meaning it recommends people “reconsider travel” to those destinations.

On Oct. 14, one week after the deadly Hamas attack on Israel, Israel and the West Bank were both moved from Level 2 to Level 3, while Gaza remains at Level 4. The region’s travel advisory was updated in November to reflect travel restrictions for certain government employees who have not already left the area, and it was updated again on Jan. 3.

Following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in early October, the U.S. State Department raised Lebanon ’s travel advisory level from a Level 3 to a Level 4 level due to “the unpredictable security situation related to rocket, missile, and artillery exchanges” between Israel and Hezbollah or other militant groups. In December, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut returned to normal staffing and presence, and on Jan. 29, the country was moved back to Level 3. Crime, terrorism, armed conflict, civil unrest, kidnapping and unexploded landmines are listed as the country’s primary risk factors. However, the country’s borders with Syria and with Israel, as well as refugee settlements within Lebanon, are specifically noted as Level 4 regions.

China became a Level 3 country in late 2020, with an update in December 2022 citing “the surge in COVID-19 cases, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, and COVID-19-related restrictions” as the reason for the advisory. In June 2023, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) was moved from the Level 3 to the Level 2 list, but travelers are still advised to be cautious in the area due to “arbitrary enforcement of local laws.” Meanwhile, Macau remains at Level 3.

Following an attempted coup in August 2023, Niger was elevated to Level 4 in August and the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Niamey. In early January 2024, the overall risk level for the country was lowered back to Level 3. Despite the new classification, the State Department still asks non-emergency government personnel and eligible family members to depart the country.

In mid-December 2023 there was an explosion at Guinea’s main fuel depot which has since affected access to health care and basic goods and services. The country was subsequently designated a Level 3 nation after having previously been Level 2. Concerns about civil unrest, health, crime and fuel shortages impacting local infrastructure were listed as the primary risk factors contributing to the change.

Several Level 3 countries are among the worst countries for human trafficking, as designated by the State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons Report . Level 3 countries on this list include Papua New Guinea, Guinea Bissau, China and Chad. There are also nine Level 4 countries designated as among the worst for human trafficking: Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, Syria, South Sudan and Venezuela.

Over 70 countries are currently at Level 2, meaning the State Department recommends travelers “exercise increased caution” when traveling to those destinations.

Botswana became the newest Level 2 country on Feb. 26 after having previously been Level 1, with crime noted as the primary risk factor.

France, which saw nationwide protests throughout 2023, has civil unrest and terrorism noted as risk factors for its Level 2 status, and Sweden’s Level 2 status is associated with risks of terrorism.

The Level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas was updated in January to reflect water safety concerns. The advisory warns that “activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, are not consistently regulated” and notes that government personnel are “not permitted to use independently operated jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands.” It also warns visitors to be mindful of sharks, weather and water conditions. The advisory also says that crime is a primary risk factor with gang-on-gang violence contributing to high homicide rates in some areas. Visitors are asked to “be vigilant” and to not physically resist robbery attempts.

Bangladesh 's Level 2 travel advisory was updated in October 2023 to add a note about the country’s general election , which took place Jan. 7, 2024. The advisory states “demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.” The U.S. has since claimed the country’s election was not free nor fair.

In November 2023, several Level 2 travel advisories were updated with new cautionary information. The advisory for Ghana was updated to reflect threats against LGBTQI+ travelers specifically, noting “anti-LGBTQI+ rhetoric and violence have increased in recent years.” Meanwhile, the advisory for South Africa was updated in February to note that routes recommended by GPS may be unsafe with higher risk for crime.

Turkmenistan was moved off of the Level 2 list to become the newest addition to the Level 1 list on Jan. 22, meaning normal precautions are recommended but there are no risk factors causing travelers to practice increased caution.

The State Department asks travelers to pay attention to travel advisory levels and alerts , review country information pages for their destinations and read related country security reports before going abroad.

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10 No-Fly Zones From Around The World

It takes a hoard of raw strength to cordon off an entire segment of the stratosphere. That is not a light warning, either; an intrusion of that prohibited airspace or No-Fly zone readily invites a lethal response. These zones are a way of declaring “anything larger than a bird, or more artificial than one, is going to be cooked out of the sky.” Typically, warnings are issued to offending aeronauts upon an initial breach before heavily armed warplanes attempt to escort them out of the zone (or into a burning heap on the ground.) These eight heavy-handed restrictions have been established because they are either a matter of national security or military interest. So, for your own safety, study up on these eight treacherous skies.

North Korea

An obvious first choice, North Korea is one of the most volatile countries on the entire planet. With an ever-expanding list of human rights abuses, the country has accomplished its goal of being isolated from the benefits of modern society’s emphasis on ethics. The chair of the Supreme Leader is notorious for administrations that wave their fist at the western world through the reckless launching of “test” missiles into the ocean. As recently as November 3rd, 2022, an intercontinental ballistic missile alerted the world when it harmlessly flew over Japan. For that reason, the United States prohibits flights across North Korea , a shame for any Pyongyang vacation planners. 

The consequences for violation of airspace are plenty real, as the “Brothers to the Rescue” shootdown incident proved. Cuba had established prohibited airspace for any unscheduled aircraft over the Cuban mainland as well as over disputed international waters, and this rule held true for three Cessna 337s in 1996. Operated by an organization opposed to the Cuban government, 2 of the planes were shot down while one managed to escape, which resulted in 4 deaths and no survivors. The event was controversial, but the Cuban Foreign Ministry insisted that the aircraft were warned during their attempt to destabilize Cuban politics. Regardless, the event is a reminder for pilots to take the presence of fighter aircraft seriously.

Paris, France

The City of Light, The City of Love, but not The City of Airspace Violations. Civil and military airplanes are forbidden from descending lower than an altitude of 6500 feet except when the Ministry of Defense or Paris Police Prefecture permit it for special circumstance. While technically 3km away from Paris, the business district La Défense carries the same regulations after the events of 9/11. Notably, the Prefecture of Police provides authorization when air surveillance or air ambulances are required, as well as for VIP transport. Worth noting is that commercial airlines do fly over the general Paris region, but Paris proper itself (LFP 23) is the zone that is avoided at all costs.

Washington D.C., United States

An impenetrable nation situated on a fortified landmass, the United States is the closest revival of ancient Sparta that modernity has witnessed. Therefore, the political heart that is Washington D.C. must be protected at all costs. With high-security areas to safeguard, like The Pentagon, The White House, and the Capitol, it is no wonder that air traffic is outlawed here. In 2014, a small craft pilot strayed into the zone by accident and was escorted by two F-16 jets toward North Carolina . Still, the Capitol was evacuated as an assurance, proving that the United States is territorial even when its own citizens wander across the line. 

Parthenon, Greece

History does not provide a ‘backup’ copy of its most magnificent monuments, and this 24-hundred-year-old Greek masterpiece is no exception. Any air traffic below 5 thousand feet will receive a harsh scolding and likely interrogation, even if it diverts course immediately. Considering the cultural and economic value that the Parthenon provides, through symbolism and tourism, Greece has every right to bare her teeth at unwanted guests. In comparison to the high-tech security of the Louvre, the Parthenon sits out in the open rather than in an underground bunker, risking the horde of statues and sculptures it contains. With the local authorities on high alert, however, the Parthenon will remain available to foot traffic for many generations.

Disney Parks, United States

A controversial measure, Disney World Florida and Disneyland California are under the protection of an aviation ban issued directly by the FAA. The purpose is due to unnamed “security reasons” that are likely tied directly to crowd density. Other private and public stadiums also benefit indirectly from a Temporary Flight Restriction, and opponents posit that political connections played a part in achieving this for venue operators. Regardless, crowds can feel at ease while they wander the carefully maintained premises, knowing that the only flying vehicles in the air are Star Wars props and Aladdin’s carpet. Hopefully, Dumbo will not be broadcasted while being escorted by warplanes and then imprisoned for a year, as stated in 49 U.S. Code § 46307.

Buckingham Palace & Windsor Castle, United Kingdom

Before the Wright Brother’s revolutionary discovery of artificial flight, the United Kingdom defended its coastal cities with an unbreakable naval power. Naturally, imperially significant locations like Buckingham Palace demanded additional security when aircraft broke all the rules of traditional warfare. This 3-hundred-year residence of monarchs was granted a no-fly zone to give the Empire’s administrators one less issue to worry over. Similarly, Windsor Castle was granted a no-fly zone after a man with a crossbow approached the castle in late 2021. Whether or not this intruder planned on evolving to 21st-century aviation tactics upon release is uncertain. With rounded walls designed to deflect cannon fire, it is fascinating to watch old fortresses benefit from modern security. 

Mecca, Saudi Arabia

The gathering point of all Muslims, Mecca has already experienced excessive turmoil in its holiest sanctuaries. For almost 14 hundred years, Mecca have suffered invasions and desecrations, including as recently as 1979. Considering the historical and religious power that the area represents, an all-out ban on aircraft guarantees the safety of pilgrims who have crossed the earth to practice their faith. Exceptions and permissions occur, such as the 2006 Mecca hostel collapse, when a building crumbled and killed 76 of these pilgrims. Emergency services were permitted the use of helicopters to administer aid to civilians, many of whom were passers-by at nearby markets. 

A time and place for everything, aviation embodies the ability to either risk or rescue. In traditional warfare, a no-fly zone is a strategic and temporary implementation of prohibited airspace, such as the zones previously asserted over Iraq and Libya. Currently, implementing a no-fly zone for the Russo-Ukrainian war is a heated topic and unlikely simply because it could potentially spark conflict between Russia and NATO. More permanently, governments exercise prohibited airspaces to protect national interests, such as the eight government and cultural sites listed here. Enforced through escorts or anti-aircraft defenses, prohibited airspaces are not suggestions: They are unwavering tools of self-defense.

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I’m a U.S. Citizen. Where in the World Can I Go?

For Americans eager to resume international travel, here are the countries that currently allow U.S. citizens to enter, though there may be restrictions, including vaccine requirements.

By Paige McClanahan

This list is no longer being updated. Find the latest coronavirus updates here .

Most of the world’s countries are open to travelers from the United States, and many nations are easing their requirements for visitors to test or quarantine. Some countries that had fully closed to foreign tourists — including Israel, Morocco, Bhutan, Australia and New Zealand — have now reopened to U.S. visitors, although they may continue to impose testing, vaccination or quarantine requirements.

In Europe, a growing number of nations — including Germany, Greece, Italy, Ireland, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, among many others — have eliminated their Covid-related travel restrictions for the summer travel season. Meanwhile, several Southeast Asian nations that had closed their borders to tourists have now reopened. Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar and Cambodia are once again welcoming American visitors, although vaccine or testing requirements are in force in most cases.

For its part, the United States has lifted the requirement that inbound passengers, including returning Americans, provide a negative test result taken within one day of departure. The decision to lift the test requirement will be re-evaluated in September; the rule could be reinstated if authorities deem it necessary.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, meanwhile, continues advising Americans not to travel internationally until they are fully inoculated against Covid-19.

Those wanting to learn about the coronavirus risk in a specific country can visit the C.D.C. website where a four-tier ranking system provides guidance. The agency reserves the highest “Level 4” ranking for countries with “special circumstances” that include spiking case numbers, the emergence of worrying variants, or threats to the viability of health care infrastructure. (Levels 1 to 3 are still based primarily on Covid-19 case counts.) At the moment, no countries are classified at Level 4; those at Level 3, which have a “high” incidence of Covid-19, are indicated in the list below. For information on entry requirements like testing and quarantine, as well as curfews and movement restrictions, the State Department’s website offers detailed information by country.

What follows is a list of countries that are open to tourists from the United States. Many require visitors to complete a health form, provide proof of vaccination, and present a recent negative Covid-19 test result. To qualify as fully vaccinated in places such as France, Spain and the Netherlands, a visitor must have received either a booster shot or a second dose within a specified period.

As of May 1, visitors are no longer required to provide a negative test result or proof of vaccination. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Travel to Andorra is over land from Spain or France, so check the entry requirements for those countries first. There are no limits on movement between Spain and Andorra, nor for travelers entering Andorra from France. Travelers 12 and over departing Andorra for France must provide proof of full vaccination, a certificate of recent recovery, or a negative antigen test result from the previous 24 hours. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Visitors must complete a registration form before travel. They must also present a negative result from an R.T.-P.C.R. test administered no more than 72 hours before departure and pay about $20 on arrival to undergo a rapid antigen test at the airport. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to Angola.

All adult visitors must be vaccinated. Arriving passengers must also carry a negative result from a Covid-19 test. The result may be either from a rapid test taken within two days of arrival, or from an R.T.-P.C.R. test, N.A.A.T. test, or other molecular test administered within three days of arrival. Visitors who completed their primary course of vaccination more than six months previously and who have not received a booster are also required to test on arrival, at their own expense. Guests staying for more than eight days may undergo a free test on day 4 of their visit. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

ANTIGUA and BARBUDA

Vaccinated travelers are no longer required to test before travel, provided they are asymptomatic. Unvaccinated visitors must present either a negative result from a P.C.R. test conducted no more than three days before arrival, or a negative result from an antigen test from the previous 24 hours; they must also be without symptoms. On arrival, they must submit to an R.T.-P.C.R. test at their own expense and self-quarantine for 14 days. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Americans may now enter Argentina without testing. Visitors must complete an electronic sworn statement within 48 hours of traveling and provide proof of medical insurance that covers Covid-19 treatment and quarantine. The government recommends that all visitors age 6 and over undergo a Covid-19 test within 24 hours of arrival, regardless of their vaccination status. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

The country has lifted its pandemic-related travel restrictions.

The country is open to visitors from the United States who have finished a primary course of vaccination (two doses of an mRNA vaccine or one dose of Johnson & Johnson). All passengers arriving by air must submit the Digital Passenger Declaration within 72 hours of their departure for Australia; they are no longer required to test before travel. Depending on their final destination within Australia, visitors may have to quarantine on arrival, even if they are vaccinated. Travelers should check the rules of the state or territory they are visiting to find the relevant quarantine requirements. Prospective visitors who are not fully vaccinated must qualify for an exemption . The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

The country lifted all pandemic-related travel restrictions on May 16. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Visitors age 18 and over must present proof of vaccination or a certificate of recovery from Covid-19 infection.

THE BAHAMAS

All travelers age 18 and older must apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa; the cost of the visa includes insurance coverage and varies with the length of stay and vaccination status of the traveler. Health visa applications can take up to 24 hours to process; travelers must present their visa confirmation before departure to the Bahamas. Travelers with valid proof of vaccination may now enter without a negative test result. Unvaccinated travelers age 2 and over must present a negative result from a rapid antigen or R.T.-P.C.R. test taken within 72 hours of travel. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

According to the U.S. Embassy, visitors must download the “ BeAware Bahrain ” app before travel. Arriving passengers are no longer required to test or show proof of vaccination. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Visitors must complete a health declaration form within three days of arrival. Vaccinated travelers may enter without a pretest. (A booster is not required to qualify.) Unvaccinated travelers age 12 and older must provide a negative result from an R.T.-P.C.R. test taken within 72 hours of departure. Symptomatic passengers may be subject to testing on arrival.

Vaccinated travelers may now enter without testing. Before departure, visitors should download the BIMSafe app and complete an online immigration and customs form . Vaccinated visitors may enter without quarantine, although they may be randomly selected for testing on arrival. Unvaccinated travelers age 5 and above must obtain a negative result from an R.T.-P.C.R. test taken within three days of arrival, or from a rapid test taken within one day of entry; they must also undergo a rapid test on arrival. Children under 18 who aren’t vaccinated must follow the guidelines of their accompanying adult. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

U.S. visitors may now enter without testing or proof of vaccination. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Travelers with proof of vaccination may enter without a negative test result. Unvaccinated visitors age 5 and over must show a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken within 72 hours of arrival, or from a rapid test taken within 48 hours of arrival. Alternatively, testing is available on arrival at the airport for $50; only cash payments are accepted. All foreign tourists must show proof of having purchased Belize travel insurance ($18 for 21 days). The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

All visitors to Benin must apply online for an eVisa before departure. Predeparture testing is no longer required.

Arriving passengers must show proof of vaccination (booster shots are not required) as well as a negative result from a rapid antigen test taken no more than two days before arrival, or a negative result from a P.C.R., N.A.A.T, T.M.A., or L.A.M.P. test taken within four days of arrival. Children under 2 are exempt from the pretest requirement, while children under 12 are exempt from the vaccination requirement. Visitors must pay $40 to apply for a travel authorization , which they can do up to one month before departure. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Vaccinated travelers must quarantine for five days after arrival; unvaccinated travelers must quarantine for ten days. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to Bhutan.

Arriving passengers must present either proof of vaccination or a valid negative result from a Covid-19 test. The test result may be from an R.T.-P.C.R. test taken no more than 72 hours before boarding, or from a rapid antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before boarding. Children under 5 are exempt from the requirements.

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

The country lifted its pandemic-related travel restrictions on May 26; travelers may now enter without a negative test result or proof of vaccination.

Visitors must have completed at least a primary course of vaccination; they are not required to test. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

U.S. tourists age 12 and older must present proof of vaccination, even if they have recovered from Covid-19; they no longer need to test before travel. Unvaccinated children under 12 who are traveling with vaccinated adults may also enter without testing. Unvaccinated adults must qualify for an exemption to be allowed entry. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

Regardless of their vaccination status, all visitors over age 5 must present a negative result from a Covid-19 test (either rapid antigen or R.T.-P.C.R.) taken within 48 hours of arrival. Travelers who have recovered from Covid-19 in the previous 90 days may present proof of recovery in lieu of a negative test result. Anyone arriving without a valid test result or proof of recovery must pay $50 to undergo testing on arrival. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

As of May 1, Bulgaria has removed all pandemic-related travel restrictions. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

BURKINA FASO

Arriving passengers must present proof of full vaccination or a negative result from a P.C.R. or rapid test taken in the previous five days. Travelers who arrive without proof of vaccination or a valid negative test result will be required to pay roughly $45 to undergo a rapid antigen test on arrival. To exit the country by air, travelers must present either proof of vaccination or a negative P.C.R. test dated within three days of their departing flight. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to Burkina Faso.

Arriving passengers must present a negative result from a P.C.R. test administered no more than 72 hours before boarding their flight to Burundi. According to the U.S. Embassy, travelers must also pay $100 for an on-arrival test and self-isolate at an accommodation of their choice until they receive a negative result, usually within 24 hours. A negative P.C.R. result is also required to exit the country. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to Burundi.

Arriving passengers must present either proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test result. The result may be from a P.C.R. test taken no more than 72 hours before departure, or from a rapid antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before departure. Visitors must also register , pay an airport fee, and complete a health questionnaire before travel. Arriving passengers are subject to a temperature check. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Visitors may now enter without testing. Fully vaccinated travelers are not required to quarantine. Those who are unvaccinated must quarantine for seven days at a designated facility at their own expense; they must also undergo a rapid test on the final day before being released. The government encourages all travelers to purchase Covid-19 travel health insurance. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to Cambodia.

Visitors from the United States who hold a valid tourist visa may enter Cameroon. Passengers age 5 and above must present a negative result from a P.C.R. test administered no more than 72 hours before arrival; the result must include a QR code.

Vaccinated U.S. citizens and residents may enter Canada for nonessential reasons, including tourism, without providing a negative test result. (A booster is not required to qualify.) All travelers must use the ArriveCAN system to enter their proof of vaccination and other traveler information within 72 hours of entry into Canada. Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated children under 12 are no longer required to test before travel if they are accompanied by a vaccinated adult. Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated minors ages 12 to 17 are subject to testing requirements and a 14-day quarantine. Unvaccinated adults must qualify for an exemption; if approved for entry, they are also subject to testing and quarantine requirements. The current rules are expected to remain in force until at least September 30 . The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

CAYMAN ISLANDS

As of June 30, vaccinated travelers may enter without testing. Unvaccinated visitors age 12 and over will not be allowed entry unless they can prove that they have a close tie to the country. Visitors are encouraged to test themselves daily during their first week in the country. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

THE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

A negative P.C.R. test from the previous 72 hours is required for both entry and departure. According to the U.S. Embassy, tourists from the United States must quarantine for 14 days after arrival; employees of international and humanitarian organizations may end their quarantine early if they receive a negative result from a post-arrival P.C.R. test at the local Pasteur Institute. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Travelers with proof of vaccination may enter without a pretest. Unvaccinated travelers 12 and older must present a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken within 96 hours of arrival.

Arriving passengers must complete a traveler’s affidavit within 48 hours of boarding and provide proof of travel medical insurance that covers a minimum of $30,000 worth of Covid-19 medical expenses in Chile; they may now enter without testing. Visitors are no longer required to obtain a mobility pass (which requires proof of vaccination) to enter the country, but they may be required to present the pass to enter restaurants, participate in group tours, and attend concerts and sports events. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Arriving passengers age 18 and older must present either proof of vaccination or a valid negative result from a Covid-19 test. The result may be from a P.C.R. test taken within 72 hours of travel or from an antigen test taken in the 48 hours before travel. Incoming passengers must also complete an online form within 72 hours of boarding their flight.

Visitors may enter with a negative result from a P.C.R. test conducted in the 72 hours before travel. A negative P.C.R. result that is no more than 72 hours old is also required to leave the country. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to Comoros.

The country has lifted its pandemic-related entry requirements. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

COTE D’IVOIRE

Fully vaccinated travelers may now enter without a negative test result. (A booster is required to qualify if the primary course of vaccination was completed more than nine months previously.) Unvaccinated travelers must carry a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken within 72 hours of arrival in Abidjan. All passengers will have their temperatures checked and must undergo rapid antigen testing on arrival. Departing passengers who are unvaccinated must present a negative P.C.R. test from no more than 72 hours before travel, regardless of the testing requirements of their destination. Land and maritime borders remain closed to U.S. citizens.

Croatia has removed its Covid-related border rules; U.S. visitors may now enter as before the pandemic. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

General tourism is not permitted, but Americans are allowed to visit to see family and under certain professional and humanitarian circumstances. All incoming passengers must complete an online sworn statement before they depart for Cuba. Visitors are no longer required to present proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test result. Health authorities will randomly select passengers for Covid-19 screening on arrival.

As of June 1, visitors are no longer required to present proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test result. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

CZECH REPUBLIC

The country has removed all pandemic-related travel restrictions. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

Before traveling, visitors should register at INRBCOVID.com . All travelers age 11 and older must present a negative result from a Covid-19 test taken within three days of departure. Unvaccinated travelers must undergo another test on arrival at their own expense and self-quarantine until they receive a negative result, generally within 24 hours. Visitors should also have proof of health and medical evacuation insurance and a certificate of yellow fever vaccination. To exit the country, travelers age 11 and over must present a negative result from a Covid-19 test taken at a government-approved lab within three days of departure. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to the D.R.C.

Denmark has lifted all pandemic-related travel restrictions. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Potential visitors must apply online for an eVisa before travel. All arriving passengers 11 and older must provide proof of vaccination as well as a negative result from a Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours of boarding their flight, and not more than 120 hours before their arrival in the country. Upon landing, travelers are given another test at a cost of $30. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to Djibouti.

As of April 4, arriving passengers are no longer required to complete a health questionnaire before entry. Vaccinated travelers may enter without a pretest, though they may be tested on arrival if they display symptoms. Unvaccinated travelers must present a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken within 72 hours of arrival or from an antigen test taken within 48 hours of arrival. Children aged 12 and under assume the status of their accompanying parent or guardian. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Visitors may now enter without testing or providing proof of vaccination. Passengers age 7 and over may be selected for random testing on arrival; those who can present a valid vaccination certificate will be exempt from the random test. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

DUTCH CARIBBEAN

Aruba allows visitors to enter without a negative test result or proof of vaccination. Arriving passengers are required to purchase Aruba Visitors Insurance and to complete an Embarkation/Disembarkation card before arrival. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Bonaire has lifted its pandemic-related travel restrictions. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Curaçao has lifted its pandemic-related travel restrictions. However, visitors must complete a digital immigration card before travel. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Saba has removed its pandemic-related travel restrictions.

Sint Eustatius has removed its pandemic-related travel restrictions.

Sint Maarten , which is Dutch, and French St. Martin are primarily entered through Princess Juliana Airport on the Dutch side. Visitors must register online at least 12 hours before travel. Vaccinated travelers, those who have proof of recovery from Covid-19 in the previous nine months, and children under 5 are not required to test before entry. Unvaccinated travelers 5 and over must present a negative P.C.R. result from the previous 48 hours or a negative antigen result from the previous 24 hours. Before travel, all visitors must submit a health authorization form , the completion of which includes the purchase of mandatory Covid-19 insurance. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

The country no longer requires a negative test result for entry; however, the U.S. Embassy notes that airlines may impose their own requirements. Passengers who display symptoms on arrival may be subject to testing. The Embassy advises potential visitors to confirm the latest entry rules with the Timorese Embassy in Washington before travel.

All arriving passengers age 3 and over must provide either proof of vaccination or a negative result from an R.T.-P.C.R. test taken no more than 72 hours before boarding their flight to Ecuador. They must also complete a declaration of traveler health . Visitors may be subject to random antigen testing on arrival. Those traveling to the Galápagos must provide proof of vaccination or a negative R.T.-P.C.R. test result from the previous 72 hours; they must also obtain a transit control card from the government of Ecuador. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

EL SALVADOR

Visitors may now enter without testing or proof of vaccination.

EQUATORIAL GUINEA

All arriving passengers must present a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken within 48 hours of travel; travelers age 18 and over must also present proof of vaccination. Visitors must quarantine for three days after arrival at an accommodation of their choosing and obtain a negative test result before being released. A negative P.C.R. test result is also required to exit the country.

Visitors must present a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken within 72 hours of entry and submit to an antigen test on arrival. Unvaccinated travelers must quarantine for five days, then obtain a negative test result before exiting quarantine. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to Eritrea.

Arriving passengers must complete an online form in the 72 hours before entering the country. Visitors from the United States who are vaccinated or who have recovered from Covid-19 in the previous 180 days may enter without testing. (Travelers who have received two doses of vaccine are considered fully vaccinated for nine months after completing their primary course of vaccination; a booster dose extends the period of validity for one year.) Unvaccinated and unrecovered visitors may enter with a negative result from an R.T.-P.C.R. or antigen test taken in the 48 hours before arrival. Children under 12 are exempt from the requirements. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Vaccinated visitors and those who have a certificate of Covid-19 recovery from the previous 90 days are no longer required to test before travel. (A booster is not required to qualify.) Unvaccinated visitors over age 12 must carry a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken within 72 hours of departure, or a negative result from an antigen test taken within 24 hours of arrival.

All visitors must provide proof of vaccination, proof of travel insurance, and confirmation that they have pre-booked a rapid test to be taken after arrival. (Children under 12 are exempt from the in-country test requirement; children under 16 are exempt from the vaccination requirement.)

The country lifted its pandemic-related travel restrictions on June 30. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Fully vaccinated visitors no longer need to test before arrival. (To qualify as fully vaccinated, arriving passengers must have received their second dose of vaccine within the past nine months; those who have also received a booster dose are not subject to a time limit.) Unvaccinated travelers from the U.S. must present a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken within 72 hours of departure or a negative result from an antigen test from the previous 48 hours. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

FRENCH POLYNESIA

The country is open to fully vaccinated tourists from the United States. Those who have received only two doses of vaccine qualify as “fully vaccinated” for nine months following the date of their second dose; those who have also received a booster face no time limit. Arriving passengers aged 12 or older who are flying to French Polynesia directly from the United States are required to present a negative result from an R.T.-P.C.R. taken within 72 hours of boarding or a negative result from an antigen test administered within 48 hours of boarding. Those who are unvaccinated must provide a compelling reason for their visit to French Polynesia. If permitted entry, unvaccinated travelers must test before travel and quarantine for seven days after arrival. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to French Polynesia.

FRENCH WEST INDIES

(Most islands consider two weeks after the second injection as full vaccination, and four weeks for Johnson & Johnson.)

St. Barts is open to fully vaccinated travelers without a test requirement. Unvaccinated visitors must present a negative result either from a P.C.R. test conducted no more than 72 hours before departure, or from an antigen test from the previous 48 hours. All visitors must present a sworn statement that they have no symptoms and that they are not aware of Covid-19 exposure in the previous 14 days. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

St. Martin : See Sint Maarten under Dutch Caribbean.

Guadeloupe and Martinique are open to vaccinated travelers, but those 12 and older who are coming from the United States need a negative result from a P.C.R. or antigen test taken in the 24 hours before departure. They may also be subject to testing on arrival. Unvaccinated visitors must show proof of a compelling reason to travel. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

The country has lifted its pandemic-related restrictions. Visitors may now enter without a negative test result.

Fully vaccinated travelers do not need a pretest, but they may be subject to rapid testing on arrival if they display symptoms. Unvaccinated travelers must present a negative result from a P.C.R. test administered no more than 72 hours before departure.

The country has lifted its pandemic-related travel restrictions. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

The country has suspended its pandemic-related travel restrictions until the end of August. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Non-citizen and non-resident visitors who are 18 or older must show proof of vaccination in order to qualify for an entry visa (a booster is not required). Arriving passengers no longer need to provide a negative test result. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to Ghana.

As of May 1, visitors may enter without providing proof of vaccination or recovery or a negative Covid-19 test result. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

The country has removed its pandemic-related travel requirements. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to Greenland.

Travelers must present either proof of vaccination (a booster is not required) or a negative result from a P.C.R. or antigen test conducted no more than three days before check-in at the airport or arrival at a land border. Children under 10 are exempt.

The government of Guinea no longer requires pre-departure testing, but the U.S. Embassy recommends that travelers confirm the latest rules with their airline before departure. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; if you are unvaccinated, the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to Guinea.

GUINEA-BISSAU

Visitors may enter with a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken in the previous 48 hours. Travelers must also obtain a negative P.C.R. result within 72 hours of their departure from the country; tests can be obtained in the capital city of Bissau for about $45.

Arriving passengers must show proof of full vaccination and carry a negative result from a Covid-19 test administered within 72 hours of arrival. Anyone arriving with an expired test result must pay about $85 to undergo testing at the airport and quarantine until they receive a negative result. Unvaccinated travelers over the age of 12 will not be allowed entry. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Visitors to Haiti must present a negative result from either a P.C.R. or antigen test administered no more than 72 hours before travel. Passengers who have had Covid-19 may present their positive test as well as documentation from their doctor confirming recovery.

Fully vaccinated tourists are not required to pretest, but others must have a negative result from a Covid-19 test taken in the previous 72 hours. Visitors must also complete an online pre-check form before travel.

Hungary has lifted all pandemic-related travel restrictions. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

The country lifted all Covid-related border restrictions on Feb. 25. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Passengers arriving from the United States must submit either proof of vaccination (with or without a booster) or a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken within 72 hours of departure. Travelers should upload the relevant documentation to the Air Suvidha portal before departure. Two percent of arriving passengers are randomly selected to undergo testing on arrival. Children under 5 are exempt from testing unless they develop Covid-19 symptoms. All travelers are asked to monitor their health for 14 days after arrival and self-isolate if they develop Covid-19 symptoms.

U.S. travelers are eligible for a visa on arrival if they can show proof of vaccination (with or without a booster; children under 12 are exempt). They must also download the PeduliLindungi app before departure; submit to a temperature screening on arrival; provide proof of health insurance that covers at least $25,000 worth of medical treatment in Indonesia; pay a visa fee of approximately $35; carry a passport with a validity of at least six months; and be able to present either a return ticket or a ticket for onward travel to another country. Covid-19 testing is no longer required. The U.S. Embassy recommends that travelers consult the Indonesian Embassy in the United States for the latest entry rules.

Visitors must apply for a tourist visa , which can be done online. Arriving passengers must present proof of vaccination as well as a negative result from a P.C.R. test conducted within 72 hours of arrival.

Arriving passengers must present either proof of vaccination or a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken in the previous 72 hours. The U.S. Embassy advises that all arriving passengers should be prepared to pay in cash for on-arrival testing at the airport, although this requirement is unevenly enforced. Visitors to the Iraqi Kurdistan Region require a negative P.C.R. result from the previous 48 hours; anyone without a negative test result must test on arrival. Visitors must also pledge to self-isolate for 14 days.

Ireland has removed all pandemic-related travel restrictions. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Visitors must provide a completed incoming passenger form and show proof of insurance covering Covid-19 treatment. Testing is no longer required. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Italy lifted its pandemic-related travel restrictions on June 1. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Jamaica has removed all pandemic-related travel restrictions. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Japan has reopened to U.S. visitors who are pre-booked on package tours. After applying for their visa, visitors must obtain a negative result from a Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure; install the MySOS app and complete the app’s questionnaire; register their information on Visit Japan Web , which will generate a required QR code; and purchase health insurance to cover Covid-19 treatment in Japan. Visitors are required to wear masks in the country. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Visitors age 5 and over must complete an online declaration and present the resulting QR code when boarding. Testing is no longer required. According to the U.S. Embassy, non-Jordanians must present proof of health insurance.

According to Air Astana, the country’s biggest airline, passengers arriving in Kazakhstan are no longer required to present a negative test result or proof of vaccination. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to Kazakhstan.

Fully vaccinated visitors may enter without a pretest. Unvaccinated travelers age 5 and above must present a negative P.C.R. result from up to 72 hours before departure; they must also pay $30 to undergo rapid testing on arrival. Visitors should upload their proof of vaccination or negative test result to the Global Haven platform before departure. They must also complete a health surveillance form and present the resulting QR code when traveling.

The country has removed its pandemic-related entry requirements.

The country has lifted its pandemic-related travel requirements. U.S. visitors must apply online for an eVisa before departure. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

KYRGYZ REPUBLIC

The country has lifted its pandemic-related travel requirements. However, the U.S. Embassy notes that the rules may change with little or no advance notice and that airline requirements may differ from those of the government.

Visitors with proof of vaccination may enter without restriction; C.D.C. cards are accepted. Unvaccinated travelers age 12 and over must obtain a negative result from a Covid-19 test within 48 hours of their departure for Laos; rapid tests are accepted. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

As of April 1, visitors may enter without proof of vaccination or a negative test result, provided that their point of departure is not on Latvia’s list of “high-risk countries” (at the moment, no countries are on this list). The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Fully vaccinated travelers may enter without a negative test result. (Visitors who completed their primary course of vaccination more than six months previously must have also received a booster dose to qualify as vaccinated.) Unvaccinated travelers age 12 and over must present a negative result from a P.C.R. or antigen test taken with 48 hours of departure. They must also undergo a P.C.R. test on arrival and avoid public places until they receive a negative result, usually within 24 hours.

Travelers must present a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken in the 72 hours before departure. All passengers are screened on arrival; those presenting Covid-19 symptoms may be denied entry. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Travelers age 18 and over must show proof of vaccination and complete a health screening form via the Lib Travel app . In addition, all travelers age 5 and over must present a negative result from a P.C.R. or rapid antigen test taken in the 72 hours before departure.

U.S. citizens may enter with a negative result from a P.C.R. test administered no more than 48 hours before travel. According to the U.S. Embassy, visitors from the United States may be required to quarantine; it recommends that travelers confirm the latest rules with the Libyan Embassy in Washington, D.C. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to Libya.

LIECHTENSTEIN

See Switzerland.

As of May 1, U.S. visitors are no longer required to provide proof of vaccination or a negative test result on entry; the requirement to complete an arrival form has also been removed. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

U.S. tourists may enter with proof of vaccination or recovery. Travelers are considered vaccinated for nine months following the completion of their primary course of vaccination; a booster extends the validity of their vaccination certificate indefinitely. Recovery certificates are valid for 180 days. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Arriving passengers must present a negative result from an R.T.-P.C.R. test administered no more than 72 hours before boarding. A second test is required on arrival, at a cost of $20. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to Madagascar.

Arriving passengers must present a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken within 72 hours of departure; children under the age of 1 are exempt. A negative result from the previous 72 hours is also required to exit Malawi, regardless of the requirements of the destination country.

Fully vaccinated travelers and children age 12 and under may enter without testing. Visitors who were vaccinated outside of Malaysia must upload their proof of vaccination via the MySejahtera app before departure. Unvaccinated adult visitors must obtain a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken within two days of departure; they must also submit to a test within 24 hours of arrival and quarantine for five days. Additional travel restrictions apply for travel to the states of Sabah and Sarawak . The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Arriving passengers no longer need to present a negative test result, but they must complete a Traveler Health Declaration form within 72 hours of departure. They must also carry proof of a booking at a registered tourist accommodation. No quarantine is required for travelers who do not exhibit symptoms. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to the Maldives.

Arriving passengers must present either proof of vaccination or a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken in the previous 72 hours. The same rule applies to those departing the country.

Arriving passengers must present one of the following: proof of vaccination, a certificate of recovery, or a valid negative test result. U.S. travelers should verify their C.D.C. vaccination cards through the VeriFLY app . To qualify as fully vaccinated , travelers aged 18 and over who have undergone only a primary course of vaccination must have received the final dose in the previous 270 days; those who have also received a booster dose are considered vaccinated indefinitely. (Minors are considered vaccinated indefinitely following a primary course of vaccination.) Recovery certificates are valid for 180 days. Negative test results are valid for 24 hours (if from an antigen test) or 72 hours (if from a P.C.R. test). Children under 12 are exempt from the requirements. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Visitors must present proof of vaccination or a negative result from a P.C.R. test conducted within three days of entry. Passengers are subject to a temperature check on arrival. The U.S. Embassy notes that some visitors have reported that their airlines have demanded a negative test result in addition to their proof of vaccination.

Visitors must complete a travel form . Vaccinated travelers do not need to test before departure but must undergo testing on arrival. In addition to the travel form and on-arrival test, unvaccinated travelers age 18 and over must also self-isolate for seven days after arrival in an accommodation of their choice. They must test on day 7 and, if the result is negative, are free to move around the island on day 8. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

U.S. travelers may enter Mexico without testing or quarantine, though they may be subject to health screenings on arrival. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Moldova has lifted all Covid-related entry requirements.

The United States is on the list of “green zone” countries, which means that travelers 16 and over may enter Monaco by presenting one of the following: proof of full vaccination against Covid-19; proof of recovery in the past six months; or a negative result from a P.C.R. or antigen test conducted within the previous 24 hours. To qualify as fully vaccinated, everyone 18 or over must have received a booster dose of an mRNA vaccine no later than nine months following the completion of their first course of vaccination. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

The country has removed its Covid-related entry requirements. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Arriving passengers are no longer required to present proof of vaccination or a negative test result. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Arriving passengers must present a completed health form . They must also provide either proof of vaccination or a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken in the 72 hours before travel. Children under 12 are exempt from the requirements.

Vaccinated visitors as well as children age 11 and younger may now enter without testing. Unvaccinated travelers over the age of 11 must present a negative result from a P.C.R. test administered within 72 hours of their departure for Mozambique; alternatively, they may choose to pay to undergo a rapid test on arrival. The U.S. Embassy encourages U.S. travelers to obtain their visa before departure via the Mozambican Embassy in Washington, D.C. or the Mozambican consulate in New York.

Visitors must carry a valid tourist visa. They must also present either proof of vaccination or a negative result from a P.C.R. test within 72 hours of departure. (Children under 6 are exempt.) In addition, they must carry Covid-19 insurance, complete a health declaration, and pay to undergo rapid testing on arrival.

Passengers who present proof of vaccination may enter without testing. Unvaccinated visitors age 5 and over must provide a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken within 72 hours of travel. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Visitors age 5 and over arriving by air must present either proof of vaccination or a negative result from a Covid-19 test (R.T.-P.C.R., N.A.A.T., or Gene Xpert) taken within 72 hours of departure. Travelers who display symptoms may be subject to testing on arrival.

NETHERLANDS

Vaccinated visitors from the United States may now enter without a negative test result. (A booster dose is required if more than 270 days have passed since the traveler completed his or her primary course of vaccination.) Unvaccinated travelers 18 and over are not allowed entry unless they qualify for an exemption . The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

NEW CALEDONIA

U.S. tourists age 12 and over must present one of the following: proof of vaccination, a certificate of recovery from the previous six months; a negative result from an R.T.-P.C.R. test taken within 72 hours of boarding; or a negative result from a rapid antigen test taken in the previous 48 hours. At the time of boarding, they must also present a sworn statement in which they commit to undergo testing within two days of arrival. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to New Caledonia. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand is now open to vaccinated visitors from the United States and other “visa waiver” countries. Arriving passengers must complete an online declaration ; provide a negative test result before departure; and self-test on arrival and on day 5 or 6 in the country. Children under 2 are exempt from the pre-departure test requirement; babies under 6 months are exempt from the post-arrival test requirement. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Travelers who can provide proof of vaccination may now enter without testing. Unvaccinated travelers must present a negative result from an R.T.-P.C.R. test taken within 72 hours of entry. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to Nicaragua.

Travelers must obtain a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken no more than 72 hours before departure and register the result online. A negative test result from the previous 72 hours is also required to exit the country.

Arriving passengers must register online before travel. Fully vaccinated travelers may now enter without testing (a booster is not required to qualify). Unvaccinated travelers must upload a negative result from a P.C.R. test administered within 48 hours of departure; they must also pre-pay for tests on days 2 and 7 and isolate after arrival until they receive a negative result from the second test. Children under 18 are exempt from the requirements. Travelers leaving Nigeria must present either proof of vaccination or a negative result from a P.C.R. test conducted within 48 hours of departure.

NORTH MACEDONIA

Visitors are no longer required to provide a negative test result or proof of vaccination. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Norway has lifted all pandemic-related travel restrictions. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Vaccinated travelers may enter without a pretest. Unvaccinated travelers over the age of 12 must present a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken within 72 hours of boarding. All passengers should download the Pass Track App before travel and should be aware that they may be subject to rapid testing on arrival.

Palau is open to fully vaccinated visitors. Arriving passengers must provide a negative result from a P.C.R., N.A.A.T., R.T.-P.C.R. or other approved molecular test taken within three days of their departure. Alternatively, they may present a negative result from an antigen test taken no more than one day before departure, or documentation of recovery from Covid, including proof of a recent positive viral test and a letter from a health care provider or a public health official clearing the person to travel. All travelers will also undergo testing after arrival in Palau.

Travelers are required to submit a completed health affidavit to their airline before boarding. Vaccinated travelers can enter Panama without a pretest (a booster is not required to qualify). Unvaccinated travelers must present a negative result from a P.C.R. or antigen test. If the test result is more than 72 hours old at the time of the traveler’s arrival in Panama, a rapid Covid-19 test will be performed at the airport, at a cost of $50. Accompanied children under 17 are exempt from the requirements. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

U.S. visitors must apply for a tourist visa before travel. Visitors age 18 and over must show proof of vaccination; testing is no longer required. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Foreign visitors with proof of vaccination are no longer required to test before travel. Unvaccinated travelers must present a negative result from an R.T.-P.C.R., L.A.M.P., or N.A.A.T. test taken no more than 72 hours before departure; children under 12 are exempt.

Visitors must present either proof of full vaccination or a negative result from a molecular test taken within 48 hours of departure; they must also complete an affidavit of health . Children under 12 are exempt from the testing and vaccination requirements but must be without Covid-19 symptoms at the time of boarding.

PHILIPPINES

Visitors from the United States are allowed entry provided they carry the following documents: proof of vaccination; passports that are valid for at least six months beyond their date of arrival; and a ticket for outbound travel within 30 days of arrival. Visitors must also complete a health declaration card ; they are no longer required to test before entry. Unvaccinated visitors over age 12 will not be allowed entry.

Visitors may now enter without testing, quarantine or proof of vaccination.

Arriving passengers age 12 and over must present a negative result from an R.T.-P.C.R. or N.A.A.T. test conducted no more than 72 hours before boarding, or from a rapid test from the previous 24 hours. Travelers who carry an E.U. Digital Covid Certificate or proof of vaccination issued in one of several approved countries may enter without a negative pretest. The United States is not among the approved countries; however, some travelers have reported that their airlines have told them that their C.D.C. vaccination cards will be accepted in lieu of a negative test result. There is no official guidance on this point, so the U.S. Embassy “ strongly recommends ” that travelers carrying C.D.C. vaccination cards arrive with a valid negative test result. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Visitors must register online before travel. Fully vaccinated and recovered travelers from the United States and other countries that do not appear on Qatar’s red list may enter with a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken within 48 hours of departure. In addition to the pretest, unvaccinated travelers from the United States must also quarantine for five days after arrival and undergo a P.C.R. test on arrival and a rapid test on day 5. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

REPUBLIC OF CONGO

Those planning to travel to the Republic of Congo must complete an online form , pre-pay roughly $68 for a Covid-19 test to be administered on arrival, and print the receipt for that payment to carry with them while traveling. Anyone who tests positive on arrival must isolate until they receive a negative result. Departing travelers must present a negative result from a virus test conducted no more than 72 hours before their scheduled departure.

Romania has lifted all pandemic-related travel restrictions.

Before traveling to Rwanda, visitors must complete a passenger locator form and obtain a negative result from an antigen test conducted no more than 72 hours before their flight departure. Visitors must also pay $5 to undergo an additional rapid test on arrival. Travelers leaving Rwanda must obtain a negative Covid-19 test result within 72 hours of their departing flight. Children under 5 are exempt from testing. Tourists to the national parks may face additional requirements.

ST. KITTS AND NEVIS

All visitors 18 and over must be fully vaccinated, while unvaccinated minors may enter with their accompanying vaccinated adults and follow the same regulations. In addition to their proof of vaccination, arriving passengers must present either a negative result from an R.T.-P.C.R. or N.A.A.T. test taken within three days of arrival, or a negative result from a rapid antigen test taken within one day of arrival. Each visitor must also complete an embarkation form no later than 24 hours before departure. Travelers who have recovered from Covid-19 are not exempt from the pretest requirement. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Visitors must complete a health screening form before departure. As of April 2, fully vaccinated travelers are no longer required to test before travel. Unvaccinated travelers 5 and over must present a negative result from a P.C.R. test conducted in the five days before arrival. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States no longer need to test before travel; they must complete a health form on landing and may be subject to testing. Unvaccinated travelers must arrive with one of the following: a negative result from a P.C.R. test conducted in the previous 72 hours, or a negative antigen result from the previous 24 hours. They may be subject to testing on arrival; they must quarantine for 5 days and undergo an additional test on day 3 or 4 of quarantine. Minors follow the protocol of their parents or guardians. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

See Italy. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

SÃO TOMÉ AND PRÍNCIPE

The government has lifted all pandemic-related travel restrictions.

SAUDI ARABIA

Visitors must apply for a tourist visa before travel. According to the U.S. Embassy, they must also show proof of insurance that covers illness related to Covid-19.

Arriving passengers must present either proof of vaccination or a negative result from a P.C.R. or R.T.-P.C.R. test taken in the 72 hours before arrival. Children under 2 are exempt.

The country has removed its pandemic-related travel restrictions. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Visitors must apply for travel authorization up to 72 hours before departure. Most applications are processed within 12 hours of submission; expedited processing is available for an additional fee. In applying for authorization, unvaccinated visitors must upload a negative result from an R.T.-P.C.R. test administered no more than 72 hours before departure or a negative result from a rapid antigen test from within 24 hours of departure. Vaccinated travelers do not need to provide a negative test result. (Travelers age 18 and over who completed their primary course of vaccination more than six months previously must also have received a booster dose to qualify as vaccinated.) Visitors must also submit their accommodation bookings as well as proof of travel insurance with full medical coverage valid for the duration of their stay. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

SIERRA LEONE

Visitors must register online before departure. Vaccinated travelers may enter without testing. Unvaccinated travelers do not need a pre-departure test, but they must pay in advance to undergo both a rapid test and a P.C.R. test on arrival. All passengers are subject to a health screening at the airport. To exit the country, all travelers, regardless of their vaccination status, must obtain a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken between 48 and hours before departure. Children under 5 are exempt from the test requirements.

All visitors must complete an arrival card within three days of entry and install the TraceTogether app. Vaccinated travelers as well as unvaccinated children born in or after 2010 may now enter without testing or quarantine. Unvaccinated travelers born in or before 2009 must apply for permission to enter. If approved, they must obtain a negative result from either a P.C.R. test or an antigen test administered within two days of departure. (Unvaccinated travelers who have a positive test result dated between 14 and 90 days before their departure for Singapore may be exempt from the pre-departure test.) Unvaccinated travelers must also quarantine for seven days after arrival. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Slovakia has eliminated all pandemic-related travel restrictions. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Visitors arriving from the United States are no longer required to test or show proof of vaccination. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Visitors must present a negative result from a Covid-19 test conducted within 72 hours of arrival and submit to a health screening on entry. Travelers to Somaliland may avoid a 14-day quarantine by presenting a negative result from a Covid-19 test taken in the previous 96 hours. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

SOUTH AFRICA

South korea.

Visitors should register their information on the Q-Code website before departure. Arriving passengers must present proof of full vaccination (including a booster shot if more than 180 days have passed since the completion of the traveler’s first vaccine series). Travelers must also complete a health questionnaire and travel record declaration. In addition, visitors must provide a negative result from a supervised rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours of departure, or a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken in the previous 48 hours. In addition, all travelers must undergo a P.C.R. test within three days of entry. Travelers who display symptoms on arrival may be subject to testing at the airport. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

SOUTH SUDAN

Both inbound and outbound passengers must present proof of vaccination and a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken in the previous 72 hours. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

U.S. visitors may enter Spain with one of the following: proof of vaccination; a certificate of recovery from the previous 180 days; a negative result from an N.A.A.T. test performed within 72 hours of departure; or a negative result from a rapid antigen test performed within 24 hours of departure. To qualify as vaccinated, visitors who have completed only a primary course of vaccination must have received their final dose within the past nine months; those who have also received a booster dose face no time restriction. Children under 12 are exempt from the requirements. Before departure, all visitors must complete a health control form , which will generate a QR code that must be presented at the time of boarding and upon entry in Spain. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Fully vaccinated visitors as well as children under 12 may enter Sri Lanka without testing. Unvaccinated travelers age 12 and over must present a negative result from P.C.R. test taken within 72 hours of departure, or a negative result from a rapid antigen test conducted within 48 hours of departure. All visitors must purchase Covid-19 insurance at a cost of $12 per month.

Visitors age 8 and over arriving from the United States must present either a certificate of vaccination or a negative result from a P.C.R. test administered no more than 96 hours before arrival. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to Sudan.

Travelers who are vaccinated or who can document their recovery from Covid-19 in the previous six months are no longer required to test before entry. Unvaccinated visitors age 12 and over must carry a negative result from a P.C.R. test conducted within 48 hours of travel or from an antigen test from the previous 24 hours. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Sweden has lifted all pandemic-related entry restrictions.

SWITZERLAND

As of May 2, U.S. visitors may enter without testing or providing proof of vaccination. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

All travelers age 3 and over must show either proof of vaccination or a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken within 72 hours of their arrival in the country. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to Tajikistan.

Visitors to Tanzania must complete a health surveillance form within 24 hours of arrival. (Those traveling directly to Zanzibar should complete this form instead.) Travelers who present a vaccination card that includes a QR code may enter without testing. (The U.S. Embassy advises travelers to look here for information on how to obtain a QR code for a C.D.C. vaccination card.) Unvaccinated travelers must present a negative result from an R.T.-P.C.R. or N.A.A.T. test administered within 72 hours of travel; the test result must include a QR code. Children 5 and under are exempt from the test requirement.

Fully vaccinated and recovered international visitors may now enter Thailand without quarantine or testing. Travelers must apply for a Thailand Pass before departure and provide proof of health insurance to cover at least $10,000 in medical expenses. Unvaccinated travelers must provide a negative result from an R.T.-P.C.R. test conducted within 72 hours of departure. They must also apply for a Thailand Pass and provide proof of insurance. Unvaccinated travelers who arrive without a valid negative test result must follow the instructions of the public health officer they meet on arrival. All passengers undergo health screening on arrival, including a temperature check. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

All visitors must complete a travel form and upload a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken no more than three days before their departure for Togo. Visitors must also pay in advance for a second P.C.R. test, to be administered upon their arrival at Lomé Airport; proof of payment for the test must be shown before boarding. Arriving passengers must self-isolate until they receive a negative result from their on-arrival test, usually within 24 hours. Visitors are required to download the Togo Safe app; those who refuse may have to quarantine in a state facility for at least two weeks. Exit testing at the traveler’s expense is required no more than 72 hours before their departing flight.

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

As of July 1, visitors will no longer be required to test before entry. They also no longer need to show proof of vaccination or apply for a travel pass. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Arriving passengers must complete an online questionnaire . Travelers who are fully vaccinated do not need to test before travel. Unvaccinated travelers 6 and over must present either a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken no more than 48 hours before departure or a negative result from an antigen test that is no more than 24 hours old. Travelers may be subject to random testing on arrival.

TURKS AND CAICOS

Fully vaccinated visitors may now enter without testing (a booster is not required to qualify). Unvaccinated travelers age 18 and over are not allowed entry. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Fully vaccinated travelers and children age 5 and under may enter without testing. Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers must present a negative result from a P.C.R. test conducted no more than 72 hours before boarding.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Vaccinated visitors to Abu Dhabi are no longer required to test before travel. Unvaccinated travelers age 16 and over must present either a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken in the previous 48 hours, or a Covid-19 recovery certificate dated within 30 days of departure; the certificate must have a QR code. Visitors must be fully vaccinated to enter most public places in Abu Dhabi.

Fully vaccinated visitors to Dubai no longer need to test before travel; their proof of vaccination must include a QR code. Unvaccinated travelers age 12 and over must present a negative result from a P.C.R. test from the previous 48 hours; alternatively, they may present proof of recovery from Covid-19 in the previous month. The U.S. Embassy advises travelers to check with their airlines for the latest information on testing requirements. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

UNITED KINGDOM

The United Kingdom has lifted all pandemic-related travel restrictions. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Visitors must complete a health declaration form before departure and carry proof of travel insurance. Vaccinated travelers and those who have recovered from Covid-19 in the previous 90 days may now enter without testing. Unvaccinated and unrecovered travelers age 6 and over must present a negative result from a P.C.R. or antigen test conducted in the 72 hours before departure; in addition, they must either quarantine for 14 days or undergo a P.C.R. test on day 7. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Travelers may now enter without testing or proof of vaccination; they must complete a health screening form on arrival and may be subject to testing if they display symptoms. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to Uzbekistan.

Arriving passengers must present either proof of vaccination or a negative result from an R.T.-P.C.R. test taken within 72 hours of entry. (A booster dose is required to qualify as vaccinated if more than 270 days have passed since the completion of the first vaccine series.) The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to Venezuela.

Foreign visitors must present proof of travel insurance worth at least $10,000 and download and use the PC-COVID app while in the country. Travelers are not required to test or provide proof of vaccination, but they are asked to monitor their health for 10 days and inform authorities if they develop any Covid-19 symptoms. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Vaccinated travelers may now enter without testing (a booster is not required to qualify). Unvaccinated travelers must carry a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken in the 72 hours before departure; children under 12 are exempt. All passengers undergo health screening on arrival; symptomatic travelers must isolate for 14 days and may be required to undergo testing.

Vaccinated visitors may now enter without testing. Unvaccinated visitors must present a negative result from a P.C.R. test administered no more than 48 hours before travel.

Heather Murphy, Ceylan Yeginsu, Concepción de León and Karen Schwartz contributed reporting.

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Simple Flying

5 places where passenger planes can't normally fly.

We explore the reasons for these no-fly zones.

• Airline restrictions prohibit flying over religiously significant areas like Mecca.
• Environmental concerns and the preservation of cultural sites have led to the prohibition of aircraft flying over Machu Picchu in Peru and historical wonders like the Parthenon in Athens and the Taj Mahal in India.
• Political significance and the protection of important locations such as Downing Street, the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, and the residences of US political figures like the President and Camp David have resulted in no-fly zones over these areas.

International air travel has opened the world for exploration, and these days, one can hop on a modern aircraft and fly just about anywhere. But there are some places you'll never be able to fly to, or over, for a variety of reasons.

These might be down to political restrictions, religious caveats, historical significance or environmental concerns. We take a look at five places you're not going to see from the window seat on your next commercial flight.

6 Areas of religious significance

The Islamic holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia could be a helpful area for aircraft to pass over if they were en route to Jeddah from the East or the Saudi capital of Riyadh. However, religious customs mean that airlines are prohibited from entering Mecca and, particularly, flying over the Holy Kaaba. Passenger aircraft are not allowed to travel over Mecca as a mark of respect to this holy site.

Non-Muslims are not permitted to travel to Mecca, as it is a sacred place for the Islamic faith and the most important destination for the Hajj pilgrimage. This rule of keeping Mecca for the Muslim population is so strictly upheld that non-Muslims in Mecca can face a fine and deportation. This would include non-Muslims who fly over Mecca; hence commercial aircraft are prohibited.

Want answers to more key questions in aviation? Check out the rest of our guides here .

5 Areas of environmental significance

Aviation has caused quite a stir in Peru in recent years. The building of Chinchero Airport, which has been under construction since 2019, is highly opposed by activists and historians. Due to the area's fragile ecology and the significance of the Inca ruins at Machu Picchu, an airport is considered to be the last thing that the region needs.

As it is, aircraft are not allowed to fly over Machu Picchu, a site of extreme cultural significance. The area also has a delicate balance of nature, which is best left untouched. The danger with flying commercial aircraft over the region is that, should any aircraft crash or have an emergency landing , it would undoubtedly damage the precious ecosystem. Furthermore, the side effects of increased pollution in this region could prove destructive for natural habitats.

Nevertheless, the construction of Chinchero continues. It was planned for opening in 2021, but due to the pandemic, this was delayed, and the anticipated opening date now sits at 2025. The airport intends to operate around the clock with a capacity to serve up to five million passengers a year. Plans are in place to extend the airport in the future, giving it an eventual capacity of up to eight million passengers per annum.

The airport site is around 30 miles/50 km from Machu Picchu, marginally closer than the current touch-down site for tourists at Cusco. But the Cusco airport is small, and can only handle smaller aircraft from places like Colombia, Bolivia and Chile. The new airport will be able to accommodate long haul flights from Europe and North America, which is causing concern for the residents of Chinchero.

4 Areas of historical significance

Much like flying over Machu Picchu, the reason that passenger aircraft steer clear of the Parthenon in Athens is to protect this historical wonder. This impressive structure on the Athenian Acropolis was a temple dedicated to the Ancient Greek goddess Athena.

While aircraft are permitted to fly over this monument, they must give it a wide berth. Specifically, no aircraft are allowed to fly below 5,000 feet when above the Parthenon.

Similarly, aircraft are not allowed to fly over the famous Taj Mahal in Agra, India. Complaints prompted restrictions on Taj Mahal airspace. In 2015, archeologists and security sought a no-fly zone after Indian military violations. It became a no-fly zone in 2019, yet authorities still had to warn drone operators against entering on a regular basis. In 2022, a possible commercial aircraft sighting sparked outcry, shared on Twitter.

3 Areas of political significance

London's Downing Street is one of the most significant streets in the UK. Home to the serving British Prime Minister, access to this gated location requires special permissions.

As a measure of protecting the country's political elite, aircraft are not allowed to fly directly over this street. In the same vein, a similar restriction also applies above the Houses of Parliament. The Queen's residences at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle also feature no-fly zones directly over these luxurious structures.

In the US, Washington DC is a no-fly zone aside from an area stretching in a 30-mile radius around Regan National Airport. POTUS residence Camp David is also not a place to fly a plane, as is the Bush Family Ranch, various naval bases and the legendary Area 51 (unless you're Janet Airlines of course).

2 Protecting customer safety

There are also numerous places worldwide where restrictions have been issued to increase visitor safety. After 9/11, certain US tourist hotspots needed to improve their security. As such, commercial aircraft are not allowed to fly over some of them even today.

In 2003, a temporary ban on flying over Disney parks was made permanent. It dictates that no aircraft can fly below 3,000 feet over Walt Disney World in Florida, or Disneyland in California. In any case, this restriction is not such a concern for commercial aircraft, as there would be little reason to fly so low in these areas anyway.

Similar bans to protect people from future aircraft-based terrorist attacks have also been implemented for other visitor hotspots. These include the airspace above stadiums in the US, which seat more than 30,000 spectators.

1 Other reasons

Other than the above-stated no-fly zones, aircraft movements can be restricted for various other reasons, including some not-so-obvious ones and sometimes, due to evolving geopolitical situations.

For instance, commercial flights avoid flying over the Tibet Autonomous Region in China , despite its vast size. The reason for this primarily comes down to the geography of the region. Because of the mountains here, the average height of the terrain is over 14,000 feet. This is likely to cause problems in the event of cabin depressurization when an aircraft has to descend to 10,000 feet before diverting to an airport.

Furthermore, air currents rise over the mountains, creating disrupting flows, and as such, an aircraft is more likely to face turbulence here.

Then there are temporary no-fly zones due to political reasons, which are meant for only certain airlines depending upon their country of origin. The Ukraine-Russia conflict has left the world divided, giving birth to several sanctions.

One of them is the restriction of airspace for certain carriers. For instance, the EU, US, and Canada shut their airspace to all Russian planes following its invasion of Ukraine, and Russia retaliated with a similar ban on planes from these places to fly over its vast terrain.

This caused a major disruption in flight services across the globe, with several airlines, particularly those connecting North America with Asia, having to re-route their flights or suspend some services altogether.

Have you ever visited any of these destinations? Do you know of any other no-fly zones? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments!

Map: No-Fly Zones and Restricted Airspaces

Israel and eastern Ukraine join the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration's list of places with flight prohibitions.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has been declaring a lot of no-fly zones lately.

On Wednesday, the FAA extended a ban on U.S. airlines flying to and from Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport for up to 24 hours. The FAA initiated the ban on Tuesday, after a rocket struck about a mile from the airport. The strike had come amid renewed violence between Israel and Hamas in Gaza that claimed hundreds of lives in the past week.

Last week the FAA declared an indefinite prohibition on all U.S. flight operations in eastern Ukraine, after a Malaysia Airlines flight was shot down on Thursday , killing all 298 passengers.

All FAA declarations of no-fly zones or restricted airspaces are known as Notices to Airmen (NOTAMS). Many of those notices are for North Africa and the Middle East, where unrest in recent years has spurred a series of new restrictions.

Other restrictions are long-standing. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, for instance, has been the subject of an FAA Notice to Airmen advising pilots to maintain an altitude of 15,000 feet above the country since 2002. The advisory, which aims to keep flights out of ground-based-weapons range, came after a civilian Boeing 727 was shot down by a ground missile.

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Around the World in 6 No-Fly Zones

International air travel has opened up the world to seeing new places and experiencing new things some people couldn’t have imaged 100 years ago. Now we can just hop on a plane and go anywhere. Well, almost anywhere.

There are certain places where no aircraft can fly over for various reasons and many of these have been named no-fly zones. No-fly zones can be established a multitude of special reasons from religions to environmental to historical or even political. Let’s explore these places and why you’re unable to fly over them.

Disney Parks

As picturesque as it would be to look out the window and see those magical castles from above, unfortunately, we’ll never get to. After 9/11, several tourist attractions amped up their security to ensure guest safety, including Disney Parks. No aircraft can fly within 3,000 feet of Walt Disney World in Florida or Disneyland in California. Initially, it was a temporary ban that became permanent in 2003. Granted, it would be strange to see any plane flying that slow near the parks anyway.

UK’s Downing Street

Known as the home to the UKs serving Prime Minister, Downing Street is one of the most important streets in the country. Special permission is required to get in even on the ground, it makes sense for aircraft to be banned as well from flying the length of it. Three other locations in Britain to add to the list are Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, and Windsor Castle.

Washington D.C

While it’s still not a state, the airspace above the District of Columbia is one of the most restricted places in the world. After 9/11, the FBI and Homeland Security created concentric circles of no-fly zones. Even the otter ring, known as the Air Defense Identification Zone, requires any entering aircraft to identify themselves. A smaller area of 15 nautical miles around Reagan International Airport is a Flight Restricted Zone. Given the sheer amount of federal agency headquarters, political figures, and historical significance in the area it’s no wonder these precautions are continued to be taken seriously. How seriously you might ask? In 2005, a Cessna 150 flew just five miles from the White House and was met with an F-16 dropping flares to signal the infraction.

Machu Picchu

The cultural and historical significance of Peru can’t be overstated much as the pure amount of unique wildlife and plant life that grow there can only be found there. An airport is currently still under construction called the Chinchero Airport but is highly opposed by historians and activists alike because of the fragile ecology and Inca ruins.

Currently, aircraft is banned from flying over the region. This is to keep the area clear of as much pollution as possible. But also, should a plane crash or require an emergency landing, it would cause irreparable and lasting damage to the ecosystem.

Interestingly enough, you are able to fly over the Parthenon. You just can’t get closer than 5,000 feet above it. This way, the historical wonder is kept protected. This regulation is similar to that of Machu Picchu in preserving the building from any unknown circumstances that could affect the structure.

An incredibly significant historical and religious site, no passenger aircraft is allowed to fly over Mecca, especially the Holy Kaaba. The site is the destination of the Hajj pilgrimage and a center of Islamic faith. There is a rule and tradition of keeping Mecca a Muslim population, non-Muslims can face a fine and deportation from the city. Should passengers or pilots fly over the city, they could face the fines and repercussions as well.

All of these places are still interesting, no matter if you’re able to fly over them or not. Sometimes it’s better to view things from the ground to truly experience them than high in the sky. That doesn’t mean you should be grounded all the time, though.

Norfolk Aviation is your trusted partner in aircraft brokerage . Whether you’re buying, selling, or leasing, contact us today ! Put our expert team to work for you to get the best deal on your aircraft. Check out our inventory and let’s talk about how we can help you soar to new heights.

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How global aviation hangs precariously on the survival of two narrow air corridors

With Russia off-limits and a new 2,500-mile ‘no-fly zone’ across Africa, global airspace hasn’t been this restricted since the Cold War

At around midnight on Sunday, in the darkness at 35,000 feet, a number of aircraft flying above Africa made a sudden 180-degree turn. 

Niger’s military junta had sent out the NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions) that the country’s airspace had closed , impact immediate. Any attempts to fly over the country would be met with an “energetic and immediate response.” 

British Airways flight BA64 from Nairobi to Heathrow was one of the planes in the air at the time, and Yana Penrose was on board. She said that most of the passengers were asleep at 3am when the captain made an announcement.

“Ladies and gentlemen, you may have noticed that we have been going in the wrong direction for the last two hours,” the pilot said. He told passengers that while approaching Niger he received the notice that its airspace had closed, so he had to turn the plane around and return to Nairobi.

Another passenger on board, Harriet Sergeant, asked an air hostess what was going on: “She explained they had enough fuel to fly around one civil war, but not two,” Sergeant said. 

Sudan closed its airspace in April 2023 due to civil unrest in the country, and UK airlines cannot fly over Libya due to ongoing tensions in the country, effectively creating a 2,500-mile wide no-fly zone across the widest part of the African continent. 

Since the MH17 disaster in Ukraine in 2014, when a Malaysian Airlines passenger aircraft was destroyed by a ground-launched missile, airlines and air traffic controllers have become particularly cautious while flying over conflict zones. And many passengers are aware of the threat.

“It’s kind of understandable that they waited to tell us,” said Penrose. “But I would have quite liked to have known before we were nearly back in Nairobi. It was a bit of a shock to be woken up to that news.” She said that some passengers were asleep during the announcement, and awoke to find they were back on the tarmac in Nairobi.

On arrival back in Kenya, the passengers were shuttled to a hotel. “We were basically left there,” said Penrose. “The BA phone operative had no idea what was going on. We were told that we had been turned around because of the strikes that had happened at Heathrow.” Other passengers complained of being kept on hold for hours, at great expense thanks to international call rates.

British Airways responded: “We’re sorry that due to airspace restrictions, our customers’ journeys were disrupted. Our teams have been working hard to get our customers to where they need to be as quickly as possible by adding an additional flight and rebooking on other airlines.” Other UK airlines, including Virgin Atlantic, were also affected by the sudden closure of Niger’s airspace.

Most of the affected passengers have been placed on flights home, some via Doha, but the debacle isn’t over. Indeed, global airspace hasn’t been so squeezed since the Cold War, and the future of European–Asian air traffic in particular relies on just two vital air corridors remaining open.

The narrowing corridors around the world

Niger’s indefinite airspace closure will have a significant knock-on impact on travel across Africa, where a ‘no-fly zone’ now spans three-quarters of the widest part of the continent, from the western border of Niger to the Red Sea.

This means that airlines flying from Europe to southern Africa will now need to reroute by up to 620 miles. This will amount to longer flight times and the consumption of more fuel, a cost that may trickle down to the passenger. With ongoing unrest in Mali, the Western Sahara and Somalia, that no-fly band could potentially expand further.

Closer to home, Russia has banned UK and EU airlines from entering its airspace, and Ukraine and Belarus are also off-limits due to the war, creating a logistical headache for airlines scheduling flights around Europe, and particularly from Europe to Asia. A number of countries in the Middle East – Afghanistan, Syria and Yemen – are also off-limits due to civil unrest or the threat of a ground-to-air missile attack.

Many other Middle Eastern countries come with a minimum altitude notice, given the potential threat of ground-to-air missiles. Iraq (32,000ft), Pakistan (25,000ft) and the Northern Sinai region of Egypt (25,000ft) are three of the countries where the UK’s Department for Transport issues such notices.

So just how precarious are the remaining air corridors through the Middle East? A number of national airspace authorities, including the US, France and Canada, issue partial airspace warnings in Saudi Arabia due to the risk of drone or missile attacks around the Yemen border, where there has been armed conflict in recent years before a ceasefire came into effect in April 2022.

In Turkey, the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) in the US notes that local militia groups are known to have access to anti-aircraft weaponry, which could offer a low-level risk to commercial airlines. There is also the concern that GPS interference and signal losses have been observed in Turkish airspace.

If either of these airspaces were to close, or if the airspace around Israel, Jordan and Egypt on the northwestern border of Saudi Arabia were to close, the viable flight corridors between Europe to Asia for UK and EU airlines would effectively shut off. 

There are other smaller corridors that airlines do take when passing from Europe to Asia. Some airlines, including British Airways, for example, fly over the Caucasus Mountains that span Georgia and Azerbaijan, although this corridor is reliant on passing through Turkish airspace or above the Black Sea which is now largely off-limits. Some airlines also take advantage of a narrow corridor along the Red Sea, although this remains passable only so long as Saudi airspace and the Yemeni sea corridors remain open.

There is a final option for nonstop flights from Europe to Asia, which Finnair currently operates from Helsinki, navigating northwest over the North Pole, via Alaska and into Japan or South Korea. Passengers receive a certificate after the flight to say they have flown over the North Pole.

Paul Charles, CEO of travel consultancy The PC Agency and former Virgin Atlantic Director, said: “Air corridors are powerful tools in a country’s armoury. They can shut off the rights for airlines to fly over borders, such as we’ve seen with Russia, causing some havoc for both airline and traveller who are forced to fly a longer route round to their destination. 

“However, with fewer key corridors currently open, it puts those such as Saudi Arabia and Turkey in a strong position to attract more airlines to use their airspace, and the financial benefits that go with it, as airlines have to pay for overfly rights.”

The active airspace warnings

There are 11 no-fly zones, five regions with a minimum altitude restriction in place for UK airlines, and 13 areas that are on the Opsgroup ‘caution’ list. Opsgroup is an organisation serving more than 8,000 pilots and air traffic controllers. Their interactive map, Safe Airspace , is a useful resource for identifying global airspace restrictions. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) monitors no-fly zones for EU airlines and the UK Department for Transport issues no-fly warnings to UK airlines. NATS takes care of UK air traffic control. 

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March 5, 2022 Russia-Ukraine news

By Jessie Yeung , Steve George , Laura Smith-Spark , Angela Dewan , Adrienne Vogt , Joe Ruiz and Alaa Elassar, CNN

Putin says countries imposing no-fly zone would be considered "participants in a military conflict"

From CNN's Mostafa Salem

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday that he would consider countries imposing a no-fly zone over Ukraine as participating in the conflict. 

“We will immediately consider them as participants in a military conflict, and it doesn't matter members of which organizations they are,” Putin said in a meeting with flight crewmembers of Russian national airlines. 

“It is impossible to do it, on the very territory of Ukraine, it's possible only from the territory of some neighboring states. But any movement in this direction will be considered by us as participation in an armed conflict,” Putin added.

More background: President Volodymyr Zelensky and other Ukrainian leaders have repeatedly pleaded with NATO and Western officials to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine. 

NATO's Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Friday that a no-fly zone is not an option being considered by the alliance.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday that the establishment of a no-fly zone in Ukraine by the United States and its NATO allies could lead to a “full-fledged war in Europe,” but added that Washington would continue to work with its allies to provide Ukrainians with the means to defend themselves from Russian aggression.

Russia’s largest airline suspends international flights to everywhere except Belarus, according to state media

From CNN's Amy Cassidy

Aeroflot, Russia’s largest airline, will suspend all flights abroad from March 8 — except flights to Minsk, Belarus — Russian state news agency RIA Novosti reported Saturday. 

Passengers with return tickets to Russia will not be allowed on international flights from March 6 if the departing flight is scheduled from March 8 “to mitigate the risks of impossibility to use return flights to Russia,” according to the report.

It comes after the majority government-owned carrier’s ability to sell seats was crippled on Thursday after being removed from the global distribution system , marking the latest measure against Russia's aviation industry after most of the western world closed airspace to Russian aircraft.

RIA Novosti cites “the occurrence of additional circumstances that impede the operation of flights” as the reason behind the temporary cancellations. 

Rossiya and Aurora airlines will also cancel international flights, the report added.

Ukrainians in Mariupol in "desperate need," according to Doctors Without Borders

From Sharon Braithwaite in London 

Staff members of Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) have reported "dire conditions" on Saturday in Mariupol, Ukraine.

In a statement issued Saturday, one staff member of MSF gave the following account:

"The situation is the same as in recent days. This night the shelling was harder and closer. We collected snow and rain water yesterday to have some utility water. We tried to get free water today but the queue was huge. We also wanted to get ‘social’ bread but it is not clear the schedule and the places of distribution. According to people, multiple grocery stores were destroyed by missiles and the remaining things were taken by people in desperate need. Still no power, water, heating and mobile connection. No one heard about any evacuation yet. Pharmacies are out of medicine."

MSF said in the statement that people are now effectively trapped in Mariupol, where the war arrived so suddenly that many could not even flee.

MSF Director of Operations Christine Jamet on Saturday called for safe routes to allow civilians to flee from Mariupol, including MSF staff and their families. 

"Civilians must not be trapped in a war zone," Jamet said, adding that "people seeking safety must be able to do so, without fear of violence”.

CNN's Nada Bashir contributed reporting to this post.

Spanish clothing retailer Inditex suspends activity at more than 500 stores in Russia 

From CNN’s Al Goodman in Madrid

Spain’s Inditex, the global fashion giant whose brands include Zara, announced Saturday it is “temporarily suspending” activity in its 502 stores in the Russian Federation, Inditex said in a statement. 

“Inditex reports that in the current circumstances it cannot guarantee the continuity of its operations and the commercial conditions in the Russian Federation,” the statement said, adding that the suspension also applies to the firm’s online sales there. 

Of the 502 stores, 86 are of the Zara brand, the company said, adding that Russia accounts for about 8.5% of the company’s pre-tax profits, as measured by EBIT. Inditex has more than 9,000 employees in the Russian Federation and is developing a “special support plan” for them, the statement said.  

Inditex sent its statement to Spain’s stock market regulator, known by its Spanish initials, CNMV, on Saturday.  

Inditex has eight brands that sell online globally, and also in some 7,000 stores in 96 countries, according to the firm’s website. 

Germany registers more than 27,000 refugees from Ukraine

From CNN's Nadine Schmidt in Berlin

More than 27,000 refugees have arrived in Germany from Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian invasion on Feb. 24, according to Germany’s interior ministry. 

Germany’s Federal Police has registered 27,491 refugees from Ukraine in Germany to date, an interior ministry spokesperson confirmed to CNN Saturday.

But the actual number of incoming refugees could be significantly higher, the ministry said.

"Since there are no border controls, the number of war refugees entering Germany may in fact already be much higher," according to the interior ministry statement sent to CNN.

Here's a look at the the number of people who've fled to countries bordering Ukraine:

Russian plane shot down on outskirts of northern Ukrainian city of Chernihiv, Ukrainian officials say

From CNN's Tim Lister in Kyiv

Ukraine's State Emergency Service (SES) says that a Russian plane was shot down at the edge of the northern Ukrainian city of Chernihiv, which has seen intense fighting for almost a week.

The plane crashed into a residential area, the SES said, adding that it was unknown if there were casualties. The crash caused fires in four private homes.

Local people were being evacuated after three 500-kilogram bombs were found, the SES said.

Authorities said 17 people were killed in the Chernihiv region over the 24 hours to 8 a.m. Saturday as a result of shelling. Another person died due to fire.

CNN cannot independently confirm the number of deaths.

According to the Chernihiv Regional State Administration, "during the day on March 4 and on the night of March 5, Russian aircraft systematically bombed Chernihiv, mostly residential areas."

Germany's military says more reservists are reaching out following Russia's invasion of Ukraine

Germany's armed forces (Bundeswehr) say ''an increasing number of reservists'' are coming forward to offer support for the country's military services following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. 

''Following the start of the war of aggression on Ukraine, an increasing number of reservists are contacting various departments of the Bundeswehr to offer their support,'' the Bundeswehr website said Friday.

''Currently, a concrete requirement for the Bundeswehr is not yet foreseeable; on the other hand, the development of the situation is characterized by high dynamics,'' the statement on the Bundeswehr website added. 

The Bundeswehr also said that communications channels have now been set up on its website for inquiries.

According to the Bundeswehr website, Germany introduced conscription in 1956 with men over the age of 18 expected to serve in the military for a year -- although they could claim exemption due to moral obligations.

Germany scrapped compulsory military service in 2011 in a step that marked a historic change for the country's post-World War II forces. Since 2011, Germany's armed forces has relied on volunteers to fill its ranks. In the event of a national defense emergency, an automated reactivation of conscription takes place.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has reignited a debate in Germany, however, about whether young men and women should be required to fight for their country.

See where the Ukrainian government alleges Russian shelling violates agreement on two evacuation corridors 

From Olga Voitovych in Kyiv

A Ukrainian minister has accused Russian forces of shelling the city of Volnovakha in the eastern Donetsk region, where an evacuation corridor was due to allow civilians to escape fighting on Saturday.

"At 11:45 the Russian Federation began shelling the city of Volnovakha with heavy weapons," said Iryna Vereshchuk, Minister of Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories, in a video posted on Facebook. "As you know, we had a preliminary agreement that from 9:00 we will create two humanitarian corridors -- Volnovakha and Mariupol."

Vereshchuk said that fighting was also preventing the second corridor from the besieged city of Mariupol from operating.

"There is fighting taking place in the direction of Mariupol-Zaporizhzhia, near Pology-Orikhove, which prevents the movement of the column from Mariupol to Zaporozhzhia," she said.

"We call on the Russian side to end the shelling, return the ceasefire and allow columns of the humanitarian corridor to form so that children, women and the elderly can leave the settlements.

"We also appeal to the Russian Federation to provide the opportunity to send humanitarian aid from the city of Dnipro and the city of Zaporizhzhia, especially those ones consisting of medicines and food.”

Read the story in full here .

Hundreds of Nigerian evacuees from Ukraine arrive home

From CNN’s Nimi Princewill and Stephanie Busari

More than 400 Nigerian citizens fleeing the war in Ukraine have returned home after being evacuated by the government, according to the West African country’s Diaspora Commission.

The first batch of returnees arrived in the capital Abuja early Friday from Romania, according to the government agency Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM).

The second batch of evacuees arrived from Poland later Friday while the third batch landed in Abuja close to midnight Friday in a chartered flight from Hungary, NIDCOM said in a series of tweets.

NIDCOM stated Saturday that another flight provided by the Nigerian government had arrived in the Hungarian capital Budapest to evacuate more Nigerians.

Hundreds of international students, many of them Nigerians, remain trapped in their hostels in Sumy, in northeast Ukraine, surrounded by Russian troops and amid explosions and gunfire.

Nigeria's foreign minister Geoffrey Onyeama told CNN on Thursday that his office was aware of the plight of the stranded students, and that arrangements were being made for their evacuation.

Read more here:

'Help us, we're stranded': International students say they're trapped in northeast Ukraine

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No-go travel zones unprecedented among western democracies

The proposed Australian law, the foreign fighters bill, will be introduced into parliament on Wednesday

The federal government’s intention to make it a crime for Australians to travel to “no-go zones” appears to be unprecedented among western democracies, according to terrorism experts, with countries such as Britain, Canada and France choosing not to go that far.

In the UK, the prime minister, David Cameron, recently unveiled a package of new anti-terrorism measures to counter the threat of British citizens fighting with Islamic State (Isis) and returning home to potentially plan domestic attacks.

But he rejected a suggestion from the mayor of London, Boris Johnson, to criminalise travel to certain countries or change the standard of proof when Britons travel to Iraq or Syria.

“The government is clear that it would be wrong to deal with the gap by fundamentally changing core principles of our criminal justice system.”

The proposed Australian law, the foreign fighters bill, will be introduced into parliament on Wednesday. The attorney general, George Brandis, said on Monday that it would “enable the minister for foreign affairs to declare that a particular locality shall be in effect a no-go zone, so that there’ll be prohibition on Australians travelling there and if an Australian travels there, then they would’ve committed an offence”.

Exemptions would include travelling for a legitimate purpose such as to provide humanitarian aid, visit a family member or work as a journalist.

Brandis said it did not amount to a reversal of the onus of proof because a prosecutor would have to prove that the person has visited the area. He also said that the law would be used “sparingly” and anticipated it would not apply to an entire country, but to an area controlled by militant groups such as Islamic State .

Labor has said it will wait to see the detail of the bill before deciding its position.

Western nations are grappling with what to do about their own radicalised youth traveling to fight with extremist groups and the threat they may pose when they return home. Cameron has said that as many as 500 British citizens were now fighting in Syria or northern Iraq.

Security agencies believe 60 Australians have travelled to Iraq and Syria to join groups including Islamic State and that 20 fighters have returned. France is now debating new laws to stop would-be jihadists from travelling to foreign battlefields, but is not proposing to designate entire areas or countries “no-go zones”.

It is a crime in many countries including Australia to enter a foreign country to engage in “hostile activity”. Cancelling passports is also being increasingly used to deal with the risk of foreign fighters.

But Professor George Williams, who is conducting a five-year study of international terrorism laws, knows of no other country to criminalise travel to a country or part of a country without authorities having to show that the intention for the travel was terrorism-related.

“It would not surprise me, because Australia has quite a striking record of enacting laws that go considerably further than comparable countries,” he said.

Williams, who is the Anthony Mason professor of law at the University of NSW, agrees that it should be a crime to fight in conflicts in places such as northern Iraq and Syria, but “making it an offence to travel to those places unless you can demonstrate a reason is problematic … it’s an overreach. It demonstrates a too-ready willingness to go beyond what is needed and to introduce measures that are not consistent with Australia’s basic democratic values.”

Professor Kent Roach, an expert in international terrorism laws at the University of Toronto, told Guardian Australia that Australia’s approach “sounds novel to me”.

”In Canada we created new criminal offences last year to leave the country with the intent to participate in a terrorist group or to facilitate terrorist activity. I have to say the Canadian approach strikes me as more targeted than creating no-go areas. I would guess that [it] is really an attempt to avoid having to prove an intent to engage in terrorism.”

But Professor Greg Barton, acting director of the Centre for Islam and the Modern World at Monash University, supported “no-go zones”.

“We’ve never seen anything like this. It’s a unique situation to have IS control territory, and drawing in foreign fighters. I think it’s reasonable [although] the detail is important and the application is important.

“With existing legislation, you have to provide evidence that they were there and were fighting with a militia. That’s hard to do. The simple way around that is to introduce this new legislation which means that if someone has been to areas controlled by IS that in itself becomes an offence and hopefully it encourages people not to go there.”

Tony Abbott leaves Australia on Tuesday for United Nations talks in New York focused on the Islamic State foreign fighter issue. Abbott will address the Security Council and support a US-drafted resolution that will mandate a global crackdown on foreign fighters.

It would mandate that UN member states pass laws to prevent the travel, funding and recruitment of Isis supporters.

• Australian politics
• Tony Abbott
• David Cameron
• Islamic State

More on this story

Abbott warns Coalition MPs of risky and dangerous fight against Isis in Iraq

Islamophobia: Tony Abbott urged to speak out against attacks on Muslims

Islamic State's call to kill westerners has terrorism experts divided

Foreign fighters bill released as inquiry into Queensland government debated – politics as it happened

Indefinite ban on reporting of counter-terrorism preventive detention order

Islamic State: Labor MP says rational debate drowned out by 'drums of war'

Tim Wilson warns against trading liberties for security over terrorism

Counter-terrorism raids were not 'theatre', says justice minister

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Will travelling to a Blue Zone help you live longer?

By Jen Murphy

The quest to discover the fountain of youth has inspired travellers for centuries. It motivated Dan Buettner, an American National Geographic fellow, to crisscross the globe for two decades, gathering insights from the world’s longest-living centenarians. Buettner identified five regions that stood out for having communities with remarkable longevity and vitality and coined them Blue Zones. His research spawned seven books, the most recent – The Blue Zones Secrets for Living Longer – published in 2023, as well as the 2023 hit Netflix docuseries, Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones .

The Blue Zones buzz, combined with best-selling books like Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia, cult science and longevity podcasts like Huberman Lab from Stanford University neuroscience professor Andrew Huberman, have been a boon for wellness travel. According to the Global Wellness Institute , wellness tourism reached $651 billion in 2022 and is expected to hit $1.3 trillion by 2025 .

Blue Zones-inspired trips and retreats have emerged as one of the biggest travel trends of 2024 . But will travelling to one of the original Blue Zones really help us live longer healthier lives? Buettner and other experts weigh in.

What is a Blue Zone?

Blue Zones are geographically defined areas where people statistically live longer without disease. This designation was originally given to five regions:

Ikaria, Greece

A tiny Aegean island where residents live eight to 10 years longer than Americans, have half the rate of heart disease and almost no dementia.

Loma Linda, California

This Southern California community of Seventh-day Adventists live as much as a decade longer than the rest of us.

Sardinia, Italy

The mountainous eastern Ogliastra and Nuoro provinces boast the greatest concentration of male centenarians in the world.

Okinawa, Japan

The oldest women in the world reside on this island.

Nicoya, Costa Rica

This 80-mile peninsula has the world’s lowest rates of middle-age mortality and the second-highest concentration of male centenarians.

“Only about 20 per cent of how long a person lives is determined by genes,” says Buettner. “The other 80 per cent is determined by lifestyle and environment. Those factors add around eight years of additional life expectancy.” Buettner’s research revealed that all five regions fall in middle latitudes with temperate climates, are geographically remote and tend to be hilly. Residents of these longevity epicentres largely share nine lifestyle habits, which he calls the Power 9 . They are:

• Move naturally: The world’s longest-living people don’t own Pelotons or pump iron. They forgo mechanical conveniences for yard and housework, tend gardens, and do a lot of walking, usually uphill.
• Purpose: Having a reason to wake up every morning is worth up to seven years of extra life expectancy, says Buettner.
• Downshift: Even Blue Zone residents experience stress, but they have daily stress-busting routines ranging from happy hour (Sardinia) to praying (Loma Linda).
• 80 per cent rule: Okinawans recite a 2,500-year-old Confucian mantra before mealtimes, reminding them to stop eating when their stomach feels 80 per cent full. Dinner is the smallest meal of the day for these communities and is eaten communally in the late afternoon or early evening.
• Plant slant: Meat is a condiment and beans are a staple in meals.
• Wine at 5: With the exception of Loma Linda, all communities drink alcohol moderately and regularly with food and friends.
• Belong: All but five of the 263 centenarians Buettner and his team interviewed belonged to a faith-based community.
• Loved ones first: Keeping ageing parents or grandparents at home or nearby, committing to a life partner, and devoting time to children were priorities in all five regions.
• Right tribe: Social networks of long-lived people support healthy behaviours.

Laura Fowler

Charlie Hobbs

Olivia Morelli

Darcie Imbert

Can you travel to the Blue Zones?

You can visit the Blue Zones but Buettner cautions they haven’t all remained utopias of wellbeing. Since receiving their designations in the early aughts, many of these regions have been transformed by access to modern conveniences and the Western diet. In fact, Okinawa has since been delisted. Buettner blames the proliferation of fast food restaurants and freeways for Okinawa’s degeneration, which has led to high rates of obesity and diabetes.

Over-tourism is also a concern. On a recent trip to Costa Rica , I noticed an entire section of the airport was promoting the country’s Blue Zone and selling Blue Zone products. Costa Rica aside, Buettner notes that the comfort and convenience we often seek on vacation is typically lacking in these destinations, which will deter many travellers. “People living in these communities consider talking to their neighbours entertainment,” says Buettner. “They aren’t on cell phones and most don’t have TVs.”

The reason to travel to these communities is to immerse yourself in the slower, simpler pace of life and experience the factors that contribute to longevity, such as diet and social connection. You’ll likely learn some lessons that you can adopt back home.

Dr. Connie Tompkins, an associate professor of exercise science at the University of Vermont, took students to a longevity retreat in Ikaria last summer and plans to return with another group this July . The island has one mountainous, winding road, and it took over two hours to drive the 30 miles from the airport to the hotel, she says. There were some complaints about having to walk one mile uphill to dinner in the heat, but overall, the students had profound takeaways from witnessing the local lifestyle.

Dinner might last hours. No one was on their phone. The fish they ate was caught that day and produce was harvested from local gardens. There was a strong sense of community and connection. Upon returning to the U.S., Tompkins asked the students to reflect on the experience and they collectively said they felt a sense of peace. They never experienced the anxiousness or stress they felt back home in Ikaria.

Dr Walter Willett, a Blue Zones advisor and chairman of the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard University School of Public Health, believes retreats rooted in Blue Zones Power 9 principles can be just as valuable as visiting the actual regions. Pioneering wellness sanctuary Kamalaya in Thailand has developed a Blue Zones retreat rooted in plant-slanted meals inspired by these regions’ traditional diets, natural movement, and other Power 9 lifestyle habits. Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo is offering a six-day Blue Zones retreat in summer 2024 that explores the secrets of regional centenarians. And Modern Elder Academy will host retreats at its Baja California Sur, Mexico and Santa Fe, Mexico campuses this year.

Tips for visiting Blue Zones

If you do travel to a Blue Zone with hopes of gaining longevity wisdom, Buettner says you need to be willing to get off the beaten path. “The real Blue Zone effect can be found in the dusty mountain villages most tourists blow right through,” he says. “It might require talking to people in another language and going into local homes for meals.” Buettner believes the biggest takeaways are:

• Put your devices away.
• Take time to have a conversation with your neighbour.
• Eat what you can grow in a garden.
• Notice how relaxed you feel walking through a Blue Zones village compared to a busy city.
• Eat more beans. Buettner considers them the single most powerful longevity food.

How to visit the Blue Zones

Here are some expert tips for visiting the Blue Zones, including dishes to seek out, suggested by Dr. Nyree Dardarian, director of the Center for Nutrition & Performance at Drexel University in Philadelphia, who recently visited Ikaria with her students.

“The Nicoya Peninsula is the gateway destination for the Blue Zones,” says Buettner. “You can stay at a nice hotel , eat healthy food, practice yoga.” Buettner recommends travellers base themselves in the coastal town of Nosara, which is one hour away from the closest official Blue Zone villages like Hojancha and Nicoya, located in the mountains.

Dish to try: Gallo pinto (rice and beans) for breakfast.

Where to stay: Buettner recently hosted a Blue Zones retreat at newly opened Silvestre , a nine-residence, health-minded property steps from four-mile-long Playa Guiones in Nosara. He also recommends Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel in Nosara, which has a fantastic surf programme, an on-site mountain bike centre, and opportunities for custom-guided tours of nearby Blue Zone communities.

The first Blue Zones region ever identified consists of a cluster of villages on Sardinia's eastern side, home to ten times more centenarians per capita than the US. The village of Seulo is home to the highest concentration of centenarians. Travellers will find great hiking, climbing, and family-run restaurants featuring the catch of the day and fresh produce.

Dish to try: Minestrone soup with cannelloni beans, red and white.

Where to stay: Buettner books the 12-room, family-run Nascar Hotel located 150 feet from the beach and less than 20 miles from the nearest Blue Zone. The closest resort area, Costa Smeralda, is about two hours north and home to amenity-laden resorts such as Petra Segreta on the coast and Cortis Antigas and Stazzo Lu Ciaccaru , both two hours inland in the countryside.

This rocky outcropping in the Aegean has maintained a trapped-in-time feel despite being just over a two-hour ferry ride from the party island of Mykonos . Of all of the Blue Zones, this is Buettner’s personal favourite because of the welcoming people, gorgeous beache s and excellent hiking. One in three residents live to their 90s due in part to their Mediterranean diet and other habits like regular naps and domino games with neighbours.

Dish to try: Hummus, made from scratch with garbanzo beans.

Where to stay: Buettner is a regular at Thea’s Inn , a five-room family-run spot in the northwestern village of Nas, perched above one of the island’s prettiest beaches. The inn offers Blue Zones cultural immersion experiences throughout the year. He also recommends the accommodations at Karimalis Winery , another family-run location on a working vineyard that offers cooking classes.

Although delisted as an actual Blue Zone, Buettner still believes there are lessons to be learned from visiting Okinawa, particularly from the local diet and strong social networks. The prefecture consists of more than 150 islands, many of which are home to beautiful beaches, hiking trails and waterfalls.

Dish to try: Okinawans eat soybeans twice a day. Get your fix from edamame or tofu.

Where to stay: Buettner likes to hole up at the 17-room Fusaki Beach Resort on the island of Ishigaki. Hoshinoya Resort faces golden sand beaches on the main Okinawan island of Naha and offers a special Blue Zones package.

Buettner suggests taking a day trip to this Seventh-day Adventist community located one hour east of Los Angeles . He credits their strict, faith-based lifestyle of 24-hour Sabbath, no drinking, no smoking and a vegetarian diet for their longevity.

Dish to try: Pop into the Loma Linda Market and order the Popeye smoothie, a combo of spinach, kale, pineapple, apple and banana, from the juice bar.

Where to stay: Palm Springs is 50 miles southeast and is part of the Blue Zones Activate initiative, which aims to make residents healthier. Base yourself at Life House Palm Springs , a mid-century desert hideaway, or just outside town at a health-focused luxury retreat, Sensei Porcupine Creek .

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Stapler Confessions

18 Restricted Locations Around the World: Destinations Off-Limits to Visitors

Posted: April 26, 2024 | Last updated: April 26, 2024

Have you ever felt a thrill at seeing a “No Trespassing” sign? Or you may wonder about all of the secrets the world has to offer. We take you on a journey through the world’s most fascinating forbidden zones. From heavily guarded government facilities to chilling ghost towns, these 18 places are the most restricted on the planet:

Area 51, Nevada, USA

This highly guarded military base is shrouded in secrecy and conspiracy theories. The US Air Force claims it is a testing and training ground for new aircraft and weapons, but many believe it houses alien technology or extraterrestrial beings.

The Svalbard Global Seed Vault, Norway

This “Doomsday Vault” is located on a remote island in the Arctic and stores seeds from around the world in case of a global catastrophe. Established in 2008 by the Norwegian government in partnership with the Global Crop Diversity Trust, the vault transcends national boundaries. It is a testament to international cooperation in safeguarding our planet’s food security. Public access is limited to protect the seed bank’s integrity.

The White House Situation Room, Washington D.C., USA

More than just a conference room, this secure facility within the West Wing serves as the President’s command center for managing national security emergencies and coordinating critical responses. From the Cuban Missile Crisis to the 9/11 attacks, the Situation Room has witnessed pivotal moments, its walls absorbing the murmurs of strategy, the tension of anticipation, and the weight of leadership.

The Iron Mountain Data Center, Pennsylvania, USA

This massive data center, the “Fort Knox of data,” stores the digital records of some of the world’s largest companies and governments. The facility is heavily guarded and monitored, and public access is strictly prohibited.

The Coca-Cola Vault, Atlanta, USA

The original recipe for Coca-Cola is said to be kept in a highly secure vault at the company’s headquarters in Atlanta. Advanced security measures protect the vault, and public access is not allowed.

The Moscow Metro-2, Russia

This secret underground railway system was built in the 1930s as a nuclear bunker for the Soviet government. It is rumored to be connected to other government facilities and military bases, and public access is strictly forbidden.

The Ilhabela State Penitentiary, Brazil

This maximum-security prison is located on an island off the coast of Brazil and is home to some of the country’s most dangerous criminals. While not entirely inaccessible, public access is heavily restricted, creating a unique and intriguing environment shrouded in mystery.

Grand Shrine Of Ise, Japan

The Grand Shrine of Ise, or Ise Jingu, is a Shinto shrine complex dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami, considered the most significant shrine in Japan. It is located near the city of Ise in Mie Prefecture, on the southeastern coast of Honshu Island. The public is not allowed to see the inner sanctums of the shrines, where the glorified objects are kept. This adds to the aura of mystery and reverence surrounding the Grand Shrine of Ise.

The Vatican Necropolis, Vatican City

This underground cemetery beneath St. Peter’s Basilica is said to contain the tomb of St. Peter the Apostle. Public access is restricted to protect the archaeological site and maintain the sanctity of the Vatican.

Lascaux Cave, France

This UNESCO World Heritage Site contains some of the world’s most famous prehistoric cave paintings. Public access is limited to a small number of visitors per day to protect the delicate paintings from damage.

Niihau Island, Hawaii, USA

When a polio epidemic threatened the Hawaiians in 1952, Niihau, the smallest inhabited Hawaiian island, became a fortress against the virus. No one was allowed to leave, and outsiders were strictly forbidden from entering. Today, Niihau remains off-limits mainly, its population hovering around 170. Access is tightly controlled, making it a forbidden paradise even for the rich and famous. This exclusivity fuels the island’s mystique, painting a picture of a hidden world untouched by the modern world.

North Sentinel Island, India

This remote island in the Andaman Islands is home to the Sentinelese people, one of the last uncontacted tribes in the world. The Indian government has restricted access to the island to protect the tribe’s way of life and prevent the spread of diseases.

Poveglia Island, Italy

This abandoned island in the Venetian Lagoon is rumored to be haunted by the ghosts of thousands of people who died there during a plague outbreak in the 17th century. The Italian government has banned public access to the island due to safety concerns and its historical significance.

Snake Island (Ilha da Queimada Grande), Brazil

This tiny island off the coast of Brazil is home to one of the most venomous snakes in the world, the golden lancehead viper. The Brazilian government has banned public access to the island to protect humans and the endangered snake population.

North Brother Island, New York, USA

Shrouded in mist and secrecy, North Brother Island stands sentinel in the East River, a silent testament to New York’s forgotten past. Once a haven for the sick and ostracized, it lies abandoned, a haunting reminder of our city’s resilience and darkest chapters.

Heard And McDonald Island, Australia

While technically part of Australia, setting foot on Heard Island and McDonald Islands is a different walk in the park. Strict access controls and permit requirements make them some of Earth’s most remote and inaccessible places, further fueling their aura of mystery.

Mezhgorye, Russia

Deep within the Russian wilderness lies Mezhgorye, a town shrouded in secrecy and speculation. Mezhgorye is a closed town, which means it is off-limits to foreigners and Russians who do not have a special permit. Security checkpoints guard the town, and visitors must have a valid passport and a special permit to enter. Whispers of underground bunkers, hidden military bases, and classified projects fuel curiosity, raising questions about its true purpose and existence.

Mausoleum Of Qin Shi Huang, China

The Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, China, is an awe-inspiring and mysterious archaeological site. It is the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, who unified the warring states and laid the foundation for the powerful Qin dynasty. The mausoleum is located near Xi’an, Shaanxi province, China, and is considered one of history’s most significant archaeological discoveries.

American Customs That Confuse the Rest of the World

Non-Americans are pointing out puzzling aspects of American culture, such as the obsession with sugary foods, complex tipping customs, and the prevalence of guns and violence in media. These observations highlight the cultural nuances that can confuse outsiders.

What Does the World Really Thinks of Americans

It’s obvious that every part of the world has something to say about Americans or knows something about this glorious country. To identify what foreigners think about Americans by leveraging general news articles and social media surveys, we bring you what we found.

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Americans are traveling abroad in droves.

The number of U.S. citizens flying to international destinations reached nearly 6.5 million passengers in March, according to the International Trade Administration. That’s the highest March total in over five years and shows that the post-pandemic “revenge travel” trend is the new normal.

It wasn’t just March, which usually sees a spike in international departures for spring break. In every month of 2024 so far, more Americans left the country than last year and 2019. These trends point to a blockbuster summer for overseas travel.

Nearly half of Americans (45%) plan to travel by air and/or stay in a hotel this summer and expect to spend $3,594 on average, on these expenses, according to a survey of 2,000 U.S. adults, conducted online by The Harris Poll and commissioned by NerdWallet.

That's despite rising travel prices that have caused some hesitancy among would-be travelers. About 22% of those choosing not to travel this summer cite inflation making travel too expensive as a reason for staying home, according to the poll.

So where are traveling Americans going? And what does it mean for those looking to avoid crowds of tourists and higher travel prices?

New travel patterns

Nearly every region in the world saw an increase in U.S. visitors in March 2024 compared with March 2023, according to International Trade Administration data. Only the Middle East saw a decline of 9%. Yet not every region saw the same year-over-year bump. U.S. visitors to Asia saw a 33% jump, while Oceania and Central America each saw a 30% increase.

Comparing 2024 with 2023 only tells part of the story, however. The new patterns really emerge when comparing international travel trends to 2019. For example, Central America received 50% more U.S. visitors in March 2024 compared with March 2019. Nearly 1.5 million Americans visited Mexico, up 39% compared with before the pandemic. That’s almost as many visitors as the entire continent of Europe, which has seen a more modest 10% increase since 2019.

Only Canada and Oceania saw fewer visitors in March 2024 than in 2019, suggesting that interest in these locations has not rebounded. Indeed, the trends indicate a kind of tourism inertia from COVID-19 pandemic-era lockdowns: Those destinations that were more open to U.S. visitors during the pandemic, such as Mexico, have remained popular, while those that were closed, such as Australia, have fallen off travelers’ radars.

Price pressures

How these trends play out throughout the rest of the year will depend on a host of factors. Yet, none will likely prove more important than affordability. After months of steadiness, the cost of travel, including airfare, hotels and rental cars, has begun to sneak up again.

About 45% of U.S. travelers say cost is their main consideration when planning their summer vacation, according to a survey of 2,000 Americans by the travel booking platform Skyscanner.

That’s likely to weigh further on U.S. travelers’ appetite for visiting expensive destinations such as Europe, while encouraging travel to budget-friendly countries. It could also depress overall international travel as well, yet so far, Americans seem to be traveling more.

For those looking to avoid crowds while maintaining a budget, Skyscanner travel trends expert Laura Lindsay offered a recommendation many of us might need help finding on a map.

“Albania has been on the radar of travelers looking for something different,” Lindsay said. "Most people have yet to discover it, but flights and tourism infrastructure are in place, and there are fewer crowds in comparison to trending European destinations like Italy, Greece, or Portugal.”

On the flip side, American travelers looking to avoid crowds of compatriots would do well to avoid Japan, which has seen a staggering 50% increase in U.S. tourists between March 2019 and 2024.

How to maximize your rewards

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Zero-emission Zones Are Helping Some Cities Fight Pollution

• electric mobility
• net-zero emissions
• Air Quality
• transportation
• Urban Mobility

With growing urban populations and increases in cars, trucks and buses, cities are poised to experience more harmful pollution threatening people’s health and livelihoods.

But some cities around the world are turning to an emerging solution called zero-emission zones (ZEZs).

These are designated small areas of about 1.5 square miles to 11 square miles inside large cities in Europe, Asia and North America where only zero-emission vehicles (such as electric cars and trucks), pedestrians and bikes are granted unrestricted access, with gas and diesel vehicles either prohibited or forced to pay an access fee.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Zero-emission Zones?

The policy, which requires limited public funds , considerably reduces emissions and can bring additional environmental and economic benefits. For example, research shows that ZEZs can reduce most tailpipe nitrogen dioxide emissions from trucks — a major source of air pollution. Further, carefully-conceived ZEZs are expected to reduce the number of cars on the road making cities less congested and helping spur the market for more zero-emission vehicles.  

Although city leaders often like the idea of ZEZs, they are also daunted by the possible negative socioeconomic impacts of the policy. For example, the high costs of new zero-emission vehicles or access to transportation may impact low-income residents and vulnerable groups living in the zones, who need to get to work or school. Or small freight carriers may not be able to reach their customers, disrupting the supply of food and other goods.

Overcoming Barriers: Lessons from Zero-emission Zones Leaders

Still, even though ZEZs are still a nascent approach with some knots to untangle, several cities are beginning to implement them. A WRI report, “ Feasibility of Zero-Emission Freight Zones: Scenario Analysis and Risk Assessment ,” shows only about a dozen cities around the world have officially implemented or announced formal proposals to pilot ZEZs. Currently, these cities include Rotterdam and Amsterdam in the Netherlands, London and Oxford in England, Brussels in Belgium, Santa Monica and Los Angeles in the United States, Oslo in Norway and the cities of Shenzhen, Foshan, Dongguan and Hangzhou in China.

 These early adopters have already found effective ways to implement ZEZs, offering lessons for other cities:

1) Start By Targeting Trucks

When first implementing a program, it’s more common to prioritize trucks over private cars for a couple of reasons. First, in recent years, banning gas-powered private cars from entering ZEZs (often in city centers) could have profound accessibility impacts for local residents and stimulate widespread public objection. Further, compared with the soaring market shares of electric passenger cars ( 22% in the EU, 35% in China and 9% in the U.S. by 2023), the adoption of zero-emission trucks has been much slower. Implementing more policy instruments like ZEZs can help stimulate the growth of zero-emission trucks.

To reduce air pollution and to bring the transport emissions close to zero by 2030, Amsterdam initially proposed to introduce a ZEZ for all vehicles — including private cars — within the city’s built-up area (which is almost the entire city) in 2030. However, due to concerns about public acceptance, the city postponed private car restrictions to after 2030 , to provide ample time to foster public support. Instead, the city plans to pursue a ZEZ for trucks inside of the A10, a ring road circling Amsterdam, beginning in 2025.

Within the truck segment, light-duty trucks and vans will be targeted first in Amsterdam, because heavy-duty trucks — particularly long-haul trucks — have limited zero-emission models and are too expensive to purchase.

Amsterdam is not an isolated case. All the global cities WRI studied restricted or plan to restrict gas- or diesel-powered trucks in the initial phase of implementing a ZEZ policy. Only London and Oxford have also banned private cars, which will be planned pilots on a few streets that are less than 1 kilometer (0.62 miles) long.

Oslo plans to target both gas or diesel-powered light-duty trucks and heavy-duty trucks in the first phase of its ZEZ implementation. Chinese cities, such as Dongguan and Hangzhou , are also banning diesel heavy-duty trucks from entering the ZEZs, aiming to eliminate heavy-duty trucks in the city center. Arguably, this measure could lead to increased freight movements and worsen traffic congestion since heavy-duty vehicles could be replaced by many smaller vehicles.

2) Small Zones Avoid Bigger Challenges

Cities need to make sure the design of ZEZs doesn’t disrupt the supply of goods and interfere with a city’s economic and social activities. Opting for small zones, like Shenzhen did, is one strategy to avoid these challenges.

As part of the 2018 “Shenzhen Blue” Sustainable Initiative , the city government created to quickly curb air pollution, 10 ZEZs were established. But to manage potential public objection, the city started by designating small zones in high visibility areas of the city.

Under the rationale, the 10 zones totaling 22 square kilometers (8.5 square miles), or 1.1% of Shenzhen, were established in the center of each urban district where there were high levels of air pollution, traffic congestion and parking shortages. The individual zones span from 0.37 to 5.4 square kilometers (0.14 to 2.1 square miles).

Some ZEZs are also located around city government offices or public schools to take advantage of public procurement of zero-emission trucks and avoid impacting local residents.

In 2023, Shenzhen introduced six additional ZEZs near universities and public parks to further accelerate the adoption of zero-emission trucks, increasing the total ZEZ area to 26 square kilometers (10 square miles).  

Similar to Shenzhen, most of the global cities WRI analyzed have all started or planned to implement ZEZs in small areas that measure 4 to 31 square kilometers (1.5 to 12 square miles). Some cities are also exploring other small locations outside of city centers. For example, the Chinese central government is considering establishing ZEZs (or ultra-low emission zones) at industrial parks, seaports, railway yards and airports.

More From WRI on Zero-emission Zones

Report : Feasibility of Zero-Emission Freight Zones: Scenario Analysis and Risk Assessment

Insights : Zero-emission Delivery Zones: A New Way to Cut Traffic, Air Pollution and Greenhouse Gases

Project: Advancing Equity-centered Zero-emission Delivery Zones

3) Create Support Measures for Small Businesses

Small trucking companies serving areas and neighborhoods within ZEZs are particularly vulnerable to the economic impact from new ZEZ policies. Therefore, supportive measures should be designed to protect this segment of traffic that would need to reach residents and businesses located in these zones.

In Rotterdam, during the transition to electric vehicles, small trucking companies, which transport goods in and out of the city, warned that the high transitional costs from purchasing new vehicles would diminish their profits. But supportive government measures were created to help. The city of Rotterdam expanded subsidies created by the Netherlands that encouraged small carriers to purchase electric trucks. The city is also providing advice on costs, information on relevant subsidies and tax exemptions, advice on charging solutions and making free trials of zero-emission vehicles available.

Further, to ensure small companies are prepared for the new policy, Rotterdam is also providing a long phase-in period. The ZEZ policy , which covers 13 square kilometers (5 square miles) and restricts various sizes of trucks from all-day access, was communicated to the public in 2020, about four years before its implementation is set to begin in 2025. In addition, Rotterdam included a 3 to 5 year phase-out period for existing gas- or diesel-powered trucks (Euro V and VI). These trucks won’t be banned completely until 2030 so that small companies don’t have to retire newly-purchased gas- or diesel-powered trucks and can buy zero-emission vehicles at cheaper prices.

Last but not the least, Rotterdam is expanding the battery-charging network at public parking lots and major destinations (such as distribution centers, offices and depots). It is also addressing issues such as the interoperability of chargers and the charging impact on the grid systems. 

4) Combine Zero-emission Zones with Additional Benefits

ZEZs do not necessarily generate additional benefits such as congestion relief or delivery efficiency. For example, zero-emission trucks may not be able to travel as far as gas- or diesel-powered trucks before needing to recharge and the heavy weight of the batteries may mean these zero-emission trucks can carry less goods. This leads to operational inefficiencies and increased traffic congestion. Therefore, cities need to go beyond the single goal of emission reduction when designing ZEZs.

When the city of Rotterdam created its policies, it wanted the ZEZs to have multiple goals : achieve zero emissions, efficient operation and zero congestion through the implementation of the ZEZs. To tackle operational inefficiency and create additional benefits, Rotterdam adopted a series of efficiency improvement measures , including establishing urban consolidation centers outside the ZEZ so that goods from various origins are bundled into fewer vehicles and distributed to ZEZs and adopting efficient delivery practices (such as data-driven route planning) to reduce empty runs.

Successfully Achieving More Zero-emission Zones

Accelerating the transition to more zero-emission vehicles is vital to improving air quality, reducing human health risks and lowering emissions that harm the climate and environment. While the introduction of ZEZs may be daunting, cities like Amsterdam, Shenzhen and Rotterdam show that creating ZEZs is possible. However, it’s important that the policies should also avoid negative impacts that could impact small trucking companies and residents, as well as create co-benefits for operational efficiency and congestion alleviation.

Relevant Work

Zero-emission delivery zones: a new way to cut traffic, air pollution and greenhouse gases, 5 shifts to transform transportation systems and meet climate goals, planes, trains and (big) automobiles: how heavy transport can reduce emissions and save money, california shows how the u.s. can reduce transport emissions, how you can help.

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Ukraine-Russia war latest: US announces more aid for Ukraine, including Patriot missiles

After a new $61bn programme of funding for Ukraine was passed by the US Congress after a long delay, a further package including Patriot missiles is announced by the Pentagon.

Saturday 27 April 2024 06:00, UK

• Russia would struggle in Ukraine without China's help, US says  
• Ukraine sidelines US Abrams tanks after drone attacks  
• US expected to announce $6bn of long-term military aid to Ukraine
• Russia would target NATO nuclear weapons if deployed in Poland
• Explained : Why has Ukraine aid bill passed now, after months of delay?
• Your questions answered: Will Ukraine launch another spring offensive?
• Listen to the Sky News Daily above and  tap here  to follow wherever you get your podcasts

Thank you for following along today as we brought you live updates on the Ukraine war. 

Scroll down through our live page to catch up on the main developments today.

The US has announced a $6bn (£4.8bn) military aid package for Ukraine.

It includes more Patriot missiles for the country's air defence systems, defence secretary Lloyd Austin said.

The package also includes more munitions for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems and gear to integrate Western air defence launchers, missiles and radars into Ukraine's existing weaponry, much of which dates back to Soviet times.

It comes after Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelenskyy talked about the need for Patriots with the Ukraine Defence Contact Group - a coalition of about 50 countries gathered virtually in a US-led meeting.

Mr Austin said the group had "moved heaven and earth" since April 2022 to source millions of rounds of ammunition, rocket systems, armoured vehicles and jets to help Ukraine fight back against Russia.

Mr Zelenskyy had asked for at least seven Patriot systems to protect Ukrainian cities, saying they were needed "urgently", adding: "This is what can and should save lives right now."

Other countries have been reluctant to send Patriot systems to Ukraine, worried they will need them for their own defence. 

General CQ Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said: "Now the Ukrainians don't necessarily have to ration what they have because they know things are coming out of this package and there will be follow-on packages."

Russian jets have already used more than 9,000 guided aerial bombs against Ukraine this year, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said.

The recent pause in US funding helped Moscow to seize the initiative, the Ukrainian president added.

He is asking for additional Patriot air defence systems to be supplied, saying at least seven are required.

"We urgently need Patriot systems and missiles for them," he said. 

"This is what can and should save lives right now."

He added: "We need the ability to shoot down the air combat aircraft so that they do not approach our positions and borders," Mr Zelenskyy said at the start of a virtual meeting led by the United States.

Lloyd Austin, the US defence secretary, said the meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group - a coalition of about 50 countries - would focus on Ukraine's air defence capabilities.

As we have been reporting, the US has finally passed a new $61bn (£49bn) programme of funding for Kyiv into law.

Over the past couple of weeks we've been asking for your questions on the war for our military analysts and international correspondents.

Every week we're picking one or two to answer - here is this week's...

Will the Ukrainians have another spring offensive or wait again until the summer? Declan

Military analyst Sean Bell answers this one...

Thank you for this interesting question, Declan.

For the past few months, the tide of the war in Ukraine has been in Russia's favour as shortages of weapons have limited Ukraine's strategic options.  

Russia has been attacking Ukrainian energy infrastructure and major cities with barrages of missile and drones, leaving Ukraine with critical shortages of aid defence missiles.  

The Russian air force has also been more active in support of its frontline forces, capitalising on Ukraine's growing shortage of defensive missile capability.

Despite the broad spectrum of military action from both sides, the primary metric of success in this conflict is territory gained/liberated, and Russia has been focusing its ground forces on the Donbas region.

Putin's long game

Despite suffering huge casualties, Russian forces have clearly been capitalising on Ukraine's dwindling stocks of artillery shells and bullets to gain momentum on the front line.

Vladimir Putin is evidently playing the long game here, as he always anticipated that the West's enthusiasm to support Ukraine would wane, leaving Russia to achieve its invasion objectives.

Although the recent announcement of a new package of $60bn military aid from the US will be welcome news for Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the immediate challenge will be to translate the commitment of cash into weapons and ammunition in the hands of the Ukrainian fighters - and swiftly.  

Momentum is invaluable in military operations, and reversing Russian progress across the frontline will be one of Ukraine's main priorities this spring/summer.

Having stabilised the frontline, Ukraine's attention can then turn to the wider strategy of "what next".

Last year's much anticipated "spring offensive" failed to make significant territorial gains, so Ukraine will need to reconsider its wider strategy to focus its limited resources most effectively.

Feast-famine approach won't work

Longer-term, the West needs to agree its strategic approach to the conflict.

Large-scale conflicts consume munitions and weapons at a rate well beyond the capacity of peacetime stockpiles, and require an industrialisation of national defence industries to produce the huge volumes required.

Russia has grown its defence industrial base to three times its pre-war levels, and is also using oil revenues to fund munitions imports from North Korea and Iran.

The West has yet to match this capacity.  

If Ukraine is to prevail in the war with Russia, it will need a predictable and sustainable supply of weapons - not the feast/famine approach that has characterised the past two years.

The West has the defence industrial capability to over-match Russia, but has yet to demonstrate the political resolve to fulfil that potential.

West's political will is key

In the meantime, Russia knows that a more direct engagement by the West in support of Ukraine would be decisive - Russia could not achieve its war aims.

That is why President Putin and Russian foreign minister Lavrov use threatening rhetoric whenever the West considers increasing support for Ukraine, with regular threats that such support would increase the risk of nuclear war.

However, it is Russia that invaded Ukraine, and it is Russia's military action that is causing such devastation to Ukrainian communities across the frontline.

Ultimately, the West can halt Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine - by providing weapons, boots on the ground and/or establishing a no-fly-zone - if it has the political resolve to do so.

If not, this latest round of military aid to Ukraine risks being seen as a short-term palliative, without a long-term strategy.

The United States is sending weapons and equipment to Ukraine "this week", Joe Biden has said.

Referring to a $61bn (£49bn) programme of funding for Kyiv that has finally been passed by Congress following a long delay, the president said he had signed it quickly into law.

It arrived on his desk early on Wednesday, he said, and he approved it before midday.

The new items will help to defend Ukraine from "Russian bombardment", he said.

Earlier (06.54) we reported that the US is expected to announce about $6bn (£4.8bn) in military aid to Ukraine today. 

A British man has been charged with conducting hostile state activity to benefit Russia, prosecutors have said.

Dylan Earl, 20, is alleged to have targeted businesses linked to Ukraine to benefit the Russian state.

Nick Price, head of the CPS's special crime and counterterrorism division, said: "Included in the alleged activity was involvement in the planning of an arson attack on a Ukrainian-linked commercial property in March 2024."

Four others have also been charged in connection with the investigation, the CPS said, after reporting restrictions were lifted today.

Read more on this breaking story here .

China is "frightened" of evoking US sanctions but is still getting "right up to the line" in assisting the Russian war effort, Professor Michael Clarke has said.

Analysing remarks by the US secretary of state (see previous post) that Washington has serious concerns about China providing weapons components to Russia, our military analyst said China is carefully calibrating its actions.

Those components - while not particularly sophisticated - are needed for missiles and high-tech weapons, Prof Clarke said.

He explained: "It's been known for a long time that the Chinese are supplying these.

"They're not supplying Russia with weapons because they're frightened of American sanctions. 

"They're certainly frightened of secondary sanctions, whereby the Americans can sanction a company dealing with a company that supplies to Russia."

Despite that fear, however, Prof Clarke said the Chinese have "gone right up to the line in assisting Russia without obviously sending them weapons".

In addition, they are facilitating the supply of weapons from North Korea to Russia, he added. 

Russia would struggle to sustain its invasion of Ukraine without China's help, the US secretary of state has said.

Antony Blinken - speaking in Beijing following talks with China's top diplomat, Wang Yi - said he had "reiterated" serious concerns about China providing components that are "powering Russia's brutal war of aggression against Ukraine".

He added: "China is the top supplier of machine tools, microelectronics and nitrocellulose, which is critical to making munitions and rocket propellants and other dual-use items that Moscow is using to ramp its defence industrial base," he said during a news conference.

That industrial base is "churning out rockets, drones, tanks and other weapons that President Putin is using to invade a sovereign country", he added.

Those weapons are being used to "demolish a power grid and other civilian infrastructure and to kill innocent children, women and men", Mr Blinken said.

He went on: "Russia would struggle to sustain its assault on Ukraine without China's support.

"In my meetings with NATO's allies earlier this month and with our G7 partners just last week, I heard that same message: fuelling Russia's defence industrial base not only threatens Ukrainian security, it threatens European security. 

"Beijing cannot achieve better relations with Europe while supporting the greatest threat to European security since the end of the Cold War. 

"As we've told China for some time, ensuring transatlantic security is a core US interest. 

"In our discussions today, I made it clear that if China does not address this problem, we will."

At least four people were injured after Russia bombed an industrial site and a residential building in northeastern Ukraine, local officials have said. 

Three children and a woman were hurt when munitions hit a central part of the town of Derhachi in the Kharkiv region, governor Oleh Syniehubov said on Telegram. 

In the Sumy region, two bombs struck an industrial facility, regional authorities said.

The neighbouring regions, which border Russia, have undergone frequent aerial attacks.

In recent weeks, more intensive strikes have hit civilian and energy infrastructure.

A journalist working for the Russian edition of Forbes magazine has been detained on suspicion of spreading "fake news" about the Russian army, the magazine has said on its website.

Sergei Mingazov is being held in a detention centre in the far eastern city of Khabarovsk, according to his lawyer, Konstantin Bubon.

There has been no contact with the journalist, Forbes reported. 

Forbes is an American business magazine.

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