WASHINGTON — The United States has raised its COVID 19-related travel advisory for the United Arab Emirates to "level 4 — do not travel," the US State Department said on Monday.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel health Notice for United Arab Emirates due to COVID-19, indicating a very high level of COVID-19 in the country.

The advisories for Liberia, Mozambique, Uganda and Zambia were also raised to level 4 — do not travel, the State Department said in a statement.

The CDC also said that the risk of contracting COVID-19 and developing severe symptoms may be lower if you are fully vaccinated with an FDA authorized vaccine.

“Before planning any international travel, please review the CDC's specific recommendations for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers,” it said.

The CDC advisory also called on people to visit the Embassy's COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 and related restrictions and conditions in the United Arab Emirates.

Due to risks to civil aviation operating within the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman region, including the United Arab Emirates, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an advisory Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR).

It said, that US citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations and should always review the Traveler’s Checklist. — Agencies