Ebola Rules Hit Summer Travel Plans
Several countries have tightened entry rules after the latest Ebola outbreak, creating new checks for travellers with recent links to affected areas. Thailand has designated the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda as affected areas from 27 May 2026. Canada and the United States have also introduced temporary border measures linked to recent travel or residence in higher-risk countries.
Main rules to know
The new measures differ by country, but they focus on recent travel history:
- Thailand: passengers from or transiting through DRC or Uganda must enter via Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, complete an online health declaration and may face 21-day quarantine
- Canada: some visas and eTAs are suspended for 90 days
- United States: restrictions apply to some non-citizens with recent travel to DRC, Uganda or South Sudan
Canada’s measures began on 27 May at 23:59 EDT and cover nationals or residents of affected countries, including DRC, Uganda and South Sudan. From 30 May to 29 August, people who have been in those countries during the previous 21 days may face quarantine and extra screening on arrival. Canada says health and travel-history checks may also increase at airports.
The rules will matter most for people planning multi-country trips that include central or eastern Africa before travelling on to Thailand, Canada or the United States. Bangkok trips, North American family visits, student travel and business journeys could still go ahead for many people, but recent travel history may change the entry airport, documents needed, screening process or quarantine risk.
The measures are temporary, but they can change a trip at the airport stage rather than during booking. A passenger with recent travel through DRC, Uganda or South Sudan may need extra documents, a specific arrival airport, health screening or quarantine. The ticket may still be valid, but the route and arrival process can become much less straightforward.