The United States has announced fresh travel restrictions affecting several African nations, among them the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Uganda, following the Ebola outbreak reported in the region.
For the past two years, Washington has introduced a series of strict travel measures and bans tied largely to diplomatic tensions. This latest action, however, comes in response to the spread of Ebola, a deadly disease that currently has no known cure.
Through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. authorities confirmed that tougher screening protocols will now apply to non-U.S. citizens who recently traveled to any of the three affected countries battling the Ebola outbreak.
According to a statement published on the CDC’s official website, “On May 18, 2026, CDC, DHS, and other appropriate federal agencies implemented enhanced travel screening, entry restrictions, and public health measures to prevent Ebola disease from entering the United States amid ongoing outbreaks in East and Central Africa.”
The agencies involved explained that the restrictions are precautionary steps aimed at protecting public health in the United States as the outbreak continues to spread.
Statement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
In an official release, the CDC stated: “This Order is necessary to protect the health of the United States from the serious risk posed by the introduction of Ebola disease into the United States by covered aliens based on the emergent outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain confirmed present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda.”
The agency further clarified that “This suspension Order applies to covered aliens who have departed from, or were otherwise present within, DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan during the last 21 days (regardless of their country of origin).”
It also noted that the decision was reached after reviewing the latest available information and evaluating current developments surrounding the Ebola outbreak.
In addition, the directive grants the CDC Director authority to halt entry into the United States if a contagious disease abroad is considered a major threat capable of spreading into the country.
Officials explained that restricting arrivals from affected areas becomes necessary when the movement of travelers could significantly raise health risks within the United States, making temporary limitations essential for national safety.
“The purpose of this order is two-fold. First, this Order aims to immediately minimize the number of covered aliens entering the United States who have been within countries experiencing a known or suspected outbreak of Ebola disease and thereby reduce the risk of introduction of Ebola disease into the United States.”
The statement continued: “Second, this Order is intended to facilitate a thorough assessment and complete understanding of the full public health risk profile associated with the Ebola disease outbreak.”
The CDC added that a 30-day period is the minimum timeframe required to properly assess the situation, allowing health officials to determine what future measures may be needed while also developing a broader containment and mitigation strategy together with relevant stakeholders.