Just when things start to look relatively normal in the tourism industry (besides canceled flights), the CDC just updated its Level 3 “high risk” list, including the Philippines. Meanwhile, the Asian island nation isn’t alone as it joins beautiful Nepal, and likely not-so-popular Russia on the Level 3 list. Read on to find out which countries are risky to visit during the ongoing pandemic.

CDC adds the Philippines to the ‘high risk’ list

Monday saw the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updating its COVID-19 risk lists. The latest update placed the Philippines, a gorgeous beach destination in the Pacific, in the Level 3 “high risk” category. With its 7,000 tropical islands, all with beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes, delicious food and hospitable locals, the Philippines is a popular vacation choice.

However, the Philippines isn’t the only country to be tagged onto the “high risk” category. Russia also made the Level 3 list, along with mountain-trekking favorite Nepal.

Currently, Level 3 locations account for around 130 of the roughly 235 places monitored by the CDC. In other words, more than half of the listings. Level 3 hit the top spot in April after the CDC overhauled its rating system for assessing COVID-19 risk for travelers. Destinations are placed in that category when they have had more than 100 cases per 100,000 residents within the last 28 days. Meanwhile, Level 2 and Level 1 are considered “moderate” and “low” risk respectively.

Previously, the top list was Level 4, but that category is now reserved only for special circumstances. This includes the emergence of a new variant of concern or extremely high case numbers. However, at this stage, no destinations have been added to that risk category.

Level 3 ‘high risk’ countries

As mentioned, the Philippines, Russia and Nepal have been added to this category as of August 15. However, a large majority of the European nations have been stuck at Level 3 for some time. This comes along with the busy summer travel season, currently well into its traditionally busy August.

The following list reveals the popular EU nations remaining at Level 3 in the latest update.

• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Ireland
• Italy
• The Netherlands
• Norway
• Portugal
• Spain
• United Kingdom

However, besides Europe, there are a number of other, high-profile destinations listed on the Level 3 “high risk” list. These include the following:

• Brazil
• Canada
• Costa Rica
• Malaysia
• Mexico
• South Korea
• Thailand
• Turkey

Advice for travelers visiting Level 3 destinations

According to the CDC, travelers should ensure that they are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations prior to visiting a Level 3 destination. Meanwhile, being up to date means that travelers have not only had the full initial vaccinations, but also any boosters for which they are eligible.

Visit the CDC website for more information regarding Level 3 “high risk” destinations, as well as Level 2 “Moderate” and Level 1 “low risk” locations.

Whether visiting the Philippines or other popular destinations, travelers are always advised to check their local tourism information prior to booking. While this article relates to US travelers, information may vary depending on the departure country.