Over fifty percent of the world's nations, including Japan, are currently on the CDC's 'do not travel' advisory list due to the omicron variant.

The omicron variant remains a significant global issue. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently added seven more countries, such as Japan, Cuba, and Israel, to its highest-risk travel category. The CDC's Level 4 classification now encompasses 134 destinations, indicating that more than half of the world's countries are on the agency's 'avoid travel' list. This figure has surged in recent weeks, with only 80 countries classified as Level 4 at the beginning of January.

Numerous nations and territories, including several popular travel spots for Americans, have been designated as Level 4 since early 2022 due to concerns over COVID-19. Israel has been classified as a Level 4 country since January 18, but it has been newly highlighted due to updated guidance regarding the coronavirus situation in Gaza and the West Bank.

The most recent countries to receive a Level 4 travel warning are:

• Armenia
• Cuba
• Democratic Republic of Congo
• Israel
• Japan
• Libya
• Oman

As stated on the official CDC website, a Level 4 classification indicates that travelers should "avoid traveling to these locations. If travel is essential, ensure you are fully vaccinated beforehand."

Countries and territories receive a Level 4 designation when they report 500 or more new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 individuals over the previous 28 days.

The CDC's four tiers of travel advisories range from 'low' risk to 'moderate,' 'high,' and the most severe, 'very high.' These ratings aim to assist Americans in managing travel during the pandemic, as case numbers fluctuate across different nations. The agency advises all travelers to be fully vaccinated before going to any destination.

With the latest changes, there are now more countries and territories classified as Level 4 than in all other CDC categories combined.