US warning against travel to Israel, Spain, Portugal amid virus outbreaks

The Biden administration is warning Americans against traveling to several European countries and Israel, among others, as the delta variant of the coronavirus continues to surge.

The State Department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Monday issued guidance advising travelers to avoid Portugal, Spain, Cyprus, Kyrgyzstan, Israel and Cuba, noting concerns about an increase in virus infections.

On Monday, the White House also called for restrictions to remain in place that prevent international travel into the United States, including from Britain, many other European countries, India, South Africa, Brazil and China, among other nations.

“With the pandemic worsening and more contagious variants spreading, this isn’t the time to be lifting restrictions on international travel,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said at the time.

Travel advisories for Cyprus, Portugal and Spain have been raised to “Level Four: Very High,” the highest level of warning, encouraging Americans not to travel to the countries regardless of their vaccination status.

Last week the CDC issued a similar advisory against travel to Britain.

The CDC noted that “even fully vaccinated travelers may be at risk for getting and spreading COVID-19 variants” if they do decide to enter those countries.