I have not seen anyone writing about this yet on the media, but CDC definitely moved a bunch of countries from Level 4 to level 3 today. I know some folks might care about this as they are researching trips:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/map-and-travel-notices.html
Good news for lots of us planning more trips to Europe!
unfortunately they can move back just as quickly and with just as little notice. And don't forget local authorities have just as much say, if not more. I saw an article yesterday that said for some reason COVID waxes and wanes in two month cycles. I would suggest car trips near home for 2021 and save Europe for next year.
This is good news. We just returned from two weeks in Switzerland. Nearly cancelled our trip due to Covid (and these recommendations) but are so glad we didn't. It was the trip of a lifetime and the crowds were minimal. We never felt unsafe. Talking with other travelers we met from the US, we agreed that CDC level 4 is no different than most places in the US! If you're vaccinated, which is a requirement of entry, the risk is low if you're healthy (or so we are told, right?). Switzerland requires vaccination proof for museums and indoor dining, masking on all public transport and indoor areas. Our neighbors also just returned from Europe (Switzerland, Austria, Germany) and agreed. We brought video monitored self test kits to show negative for COVID for our return to the US. There was some added stress about testing negative. I had purchased travel insurance just in case we were delayed. We're ready to go back anytime!
Glad to read your comments JBmckinney12. We are leaving for Turin, Italy in 3 weeks, and initially I was so excited to finally travel back to Italy, but the last few days feeling anxious about possibly testing positive and not being allowed entry back into the US. I bought 4 of the Binax AG 19 tests to take with us. Your post made me feel more positive about going. I agree - for vaccinated passengers it is time to do away with testing for US citizens to re-enter the US. Thanks for sharing your experience.
