US Ebola Rules Change Entry Plans
The United States has introduced temporary entry restrictions linked to Ebola virus disease, affecting travellers with recent stays in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda or South Sudan. The rules took effect at 11:59 p.m. EDT on 20 May 2026. Non-US citizens who were in any of the three countries during the previous 21 days are temporarily barred from entering.
US citizens and lawful permanent residents are exempt from the entry suspension, but their arrival routes are now limited. Anyone in this group with recent travel history in the affected countries must enter through designated airports, where the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will carry out enhanced public health screening before onward travel is allowed.
Designated US Arrival Airports
Exempt travellers must arrive through one of the designated US airports for enhanced CDC screening:
- Washington Dulles International Airport: in effect since 20 May 2026
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport: in effect since 22 May 2026
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport: effective 26 May 2026
Travellers should check their recent travel history, routing and entry eligibility before flying.
The rules could affect anyone planning complex itineraries through Central or East Africa before heading to the United States. Trips involving Kinshasa, Kampala, Juba or nearby regional connections may now need extra checks before booking. Exempt travellers may still enter the US, but they should plan around Washington, Atlanta or Houston rather than assuming their usual arrival airport will be accepted.
The change is mainly about routing, timing and documentation. A traveller who ignores the 21-day travel history rule could face denied boarding or problems on arrival. Airlines and passengers will need to watch CDC and CBP updates closely, as the list of affected countries, exemptions or approved airports could change if the health situation develops.
