US Orders Enhanced Ebola Screening for Travelers From Uganda, DR Congo and South Sudan

US Orders Enhanced Ebola Screening for Travelers From Uganda, DR Congo and South Sudan

The United States government has announced strict new travel measures targeting passengers arriving from parts of East and Central Africa amid growing fears over the spread of the Ebola virus.

In a directive issued on Thursday, May 21, the United States Department of State confirmed that all U.S.-bound American citizens and lawful permanent residents who have recently travelled through Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, or South Sudan will now be required to enter the United States exclusively through Washington Dulles International Airport for enhanced Ebola screening.

The measures took effect immediately and are expected to significantly affect travel routes, airline scheduling, and passengers transiting through affected countries.

According to the notice, the restrictions apply to all eligible travellers who have been present in the three countries within 21 days before arriving in the United States.

“As of May 21, 2026, all U.S.-bound American citizens and lawful permanent residents who have been present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan within 21 days of arrival in the United States must only enter through Washington Dulles International Airport for enhanced screening,” the notice stated.

Officials said the directive is part of broader emergency public health measures aimed at preventing the Ebola outbreak from spreading internationally.

The new regulations effectively make Dulles International Airport the sole designated entry point for affected travellers arriving from the three African countries, triggering immediate adjustments within global airline operations.

Travellers have been warned to expect flight rerouting, delays, extended screening procedures, and possible cancellations as airlines work to comply with the updated requirements.

The directive is also expected to affect some Kenya-based passengers and diaspora travellers connecting through regional airports before heading to the United States.

Health authorities in the United States say the move is precautionary and designed to strengthen surveillance systems as international concern grows over the worsening Ebola outbreak in parts of Central and East Africa.

The outbreak has particularly affected areas within the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, with fears emerging that cross-border movement could accelerate the spread of the highly infectious disease to neighbouring countries.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has since intensified emergency response efforts across the region in a bid to contain the outbreak before it escalates further.

In recent weeks, WHO dispatched more than 11 tonnes of emergency medical supplies from its Nairobi logistics hub to support response operations in the DRC.

The supplies reportedly include personal protective equipment (PPE), emergency medical kits, temporary tents, and water, sanitation, and hygiene materials critical for infection control and patient management.

International health experts say rapid deployment of supplies and trained personnel remains essential in containing Ebola outbreaks due to the virus’s high fatality rate and rapid transmission risks.

WHO has also deployed more than 35 medical specialists and outbreak response experts to affected regions to assist with surveillance, treatment, infection prevention, laboratory testing, and public awareness campaigns.

Additional teams are expected to be mobilised as response efforts expand across affected areas.

According to regional health data, more than 500 suspected Ebola cases have already been recorded across Uganda and the DRC, with over 130 deaths reported since the outbreak was first detected before spreading across borders into neighbouring regions.

The situation has raised alarm among international public health agencies, aviation authorities, and governments monitoring cross-border disease transmission.

Ebola is a severe viral illness transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids and contaminated surfaces. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhoea, and internal bleeding in severe cases.

Public health experts warn that outbreaks can escalate rapidly without strict containment measures, community cooperation, and early detection systems.

“The Dulles requirement applies to all passengers, including U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, who were present in those countries,” the U.S. notice further clarified.

As international monitoring intensifies, governments across the region are now under increasing pressure to strengthen border surveillance, improve emergency response systems, and enhance public awareness to prevent further spread of the deadly virus.

The latest measures also underscore growing global concern about international travel and disease transmission in an increasingly interconnected world, especially as authorities race to prevent another large-scale cross-border health crisis.

ALSO READ: EACC Arrests Former Auditor General Employee Over Fake KCSE Certificate

US Orders Enhanced Ebola Screening for Travelers From Uganda, DR Congo and South Sudan