US tightens entry rules over Ebola outbreak

The United States Department of State, together with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has introduced enhanced public health screening measures for travellers linked to countries affected by a new Ebola outbreak in Africa.

Under the directive announced on May 21, 2026, all US-bound American citizens and lawful permanent residents who have been present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda, or South Sudan within 21 days of travel must enter the United States only through Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), where specialised screening measures will be carried out.

The measures are part of an emergency response to an Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus, which has already been confirmed in northeastern DRC and linked to imported cases in Uganda, raising regional concern over cross-border transmission.

Authorities said the decision is aimed at strengthening early detection and preventing possible spread of the virus into the United States.

“The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection will apply enhanced public health screening at Washington Dulles International Airport in response to the Ebola outbreak,” the State Department said in its notice

It added that the restriction applies to “all passengers, including U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, who were present in those countries within 21 days of arrival.”

Travellers have been advised to prepare for possible flight disruptions as airlines adjust routes to comply with the directive.

“If you are planning to travel to the United States, contact your airline to confirm your flight and route,” the advisory stated.

The CDC noted that the current outbreak involves a strain of Ebola virus disease that can spread through direct contact with bodily fluids such as blood, vomit, urine and other secretions.

Health officials said the Bundibugyo virus has previously been associated with outbreaks in the region, including in Uganda and the DRC, and warned that Ebola remains a high-risk infectious disease due to its severity and potential for rapid spread.

“As such, Ebola disease may present a threat to U.S. health security given the unpredictable nature of outbreaks and the interconnectedness of countries through global travel,” the CDC said.

According to the advisory, as of mid-May 2026, the DRC had reported at least 12 confirmed cases, 336 suspected cases and 88 deaths, while Uganda had recorded imported infections linked to cross-border movement.

South Sudan, though not reporting confirmed cases, was described as high risk due to porous borders and limited healthcare capacity.

The US government said the enhanced screening measures are being concentrated at Washington Dulles Airport, which receives a significant number of travellers from the affected regions.

To enforce the directive, DHS has instructed airlines and operators to ensure that all eligible passengers are routed through the designated airport.

“Operators of aircraft will remain obligated to comply with the requirements of this notice,” the statement said.

The agencies further confirmed that cargo-only and crew-only flights are exempt from the restrictions.

The CDC has also issued travel health advisories for affected countries, urging travellers to exercise caution and observe strict health protocols.