It may sound like a disease from another era but polio is making a troubling comeback, and it’s now impacting travel plans around the world.
Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Level 2 travel advisory for more than 30 countries, warning travelers to “practice enhanced precautions” due to the spread of poliovirus.
And here’s the surprising part: some of the affected destinations include popular European countries like Poland, Germany, and the United Kingdom, alongside regions in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
View this post on InstagramThis advisory comes at a time when international travel is booming again, particularly heading into spring and summer.
Destinations affected by the advisory include per the CDC:
AfghanistanAlgeriaAngolaBeninBurkina FasoCameroonCentral African RepublicChadCôte d'IvoireDemocratic Republic of the CongoDjiboutiEthiopiaGazaGermanyGuineaIsraelLaosNamibiaNigerNigeriaPakistanPapua New GuineaPolandSenegalSomaliaSouth SudanSudanTanzaniaUnited KingdomYemensiaFor travelers, that doesn’t mean canceling trips but it does mean being more proactive about health precautions.
Unlike COVID-19, polio doesn’t dominate headlines, but it carries serious risks. In its most severe form, it can lead to permanent paralysis.
But “nearly” is the key word.
A Disease We Thought Was Gone
The turning point came in the mid-1950s with the introduction of the polio vaccine, one of the most successful public health interventions in history. Thanks to widespread vaccination campaigns, polio was nearly eradicated globally by the late 20th century.
During the 1940s and 1950s, polio outbreaks were among the most feared public health crises in the United States and around the world. At its peak, tens of thousands of children were paralyzed each year, and entire communities shut down pools, schools, and public gatherings to avoid infection.
Polio, short for poliomyelitis, is a highly contagious virus that attacks the nervous system. In severe cases, it can cause paralysis or even death.
Despite decades of progress, polio has never been completely eliminated. Today, it remains endemic in a small number of countries, and outbreaks continue to appear elsewhere due to gaps in vaccination coverage.
Recent data shows:
Dozens of countries have detected poliovirus in the past yearCases are rising in regions with lower vaccination ratesEven countries previously considered polio-free have reported environmental traces of the virusHealth experts point to several factors behind the resurgence:
Declining vaccination rates in some areasGlobal travel spreading the virus across bordersDisruptions to healthcare systems in recent yearsAs a result, the CDC’s latest advisory reflects a growing concern: polio is no longer just a localized issue, it’s a global one again.
Related: Is Your Favorite Cruise Ship on the CDC's "Cleanest" List? 25 Ships Just Earned a Perfect 100
What Travelers Need to Know
The CDC’s guidance is clear: vaccination is your best protection.
Before traveling internationally, especially to countries on the advisory list, travelers should:
Be fully vaccinated against polioConsider a one-time booster shot if already vaccinatedPractice good hygiene, including handwashing and safe food practicesPolio spreads primarily through contaminated food, water, or contact with infected individuals, making it easy to contract in areas with poor sanitation.
What makes it especially dangerous is that many infected people show no symptoms, yet can still spread the virus to others.
View this post on InstagramRelated: Virus Outbreak at Beach Vacation Hot Spot Sparks U.S. Travel Advisory
A Reminder From the Past
The resurgence of polio is a powerful reminder of how quickly progress can reverse. Polio may feel like a disease from the past, but in 2026, it’s once again part of the global travel conversation. With the CDC issuing advisories for more than 30 countries, travelers should take the warning seriously, but not fearfully. The risk is manageable with the right precautions.
If you’re planning an international trip this year, the takeaway is simple: Check your vaccinations, stay informed, and travel smart.
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