The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Tuesday advised against travel to 22 nations and territories because of a rising number of COVID-19 cases, including Israel.

The CDC elevated its travel recommendation to “Level Four: Very High,” telling Americans they should avoid travel to those destinations, which also include Panama, Qatar, the Bahamas, Bahrain, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands, Suriname, Saint Lucia and Bolivia.

In total, the CDC now lists just over 100 countries and territories at “Level 4.” The CDC also raised another 20 countries to Level 3: High,” including Uganda, Kuwait, Jamaica, Costa Rica and Cuba. The CDC recommends that unvaccinated Americans avoid nonessential travel to those destinations.

The following is Key Information from the CDC for Travelers to Israel:

  • Avoid travel to Israel.
  • If you must travel to Israel, make sure you are fully vaccinated before travel.
  • Because of the current situation in Israel, even fully vaccinated travelers may be at risk for getting and spreading COVID-19 variants.
  • Travelers should follow recommendations or requirements in Israel, including wearing a mask and staying 6 feet apart from others.
  • Level 4 Travel Health Notices may be determined by level of COVID-19 in the destination or other special considerations.