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More than 18 countries have introduced new entry requirements and health screening measures in response to the Ebola outbreak declared in the Democratic Republic of Congo in May 2026. TravelDoc is tracking all changes in real time to keep airlines and travellers informed.
The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola was declared an outbreak by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on 15 May 2026, with cases subsequently confirmed in Uganda. The World Health Organization declared the situation a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 17 May, prompting an accelerating wave of travel restrictions from governments across the globe.
Countries including Bahrain, the Bahamas, Barbados, Burkina Faso, Canada, Côte d’Ivoire, India, Jordan, Kenya, Mauritius, Mexico, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, and the United States have all implemented measures targeting passengers who have recently transited through or departed from the DRC, South Sudan, Rwanda, or Uganda.
TravelDoc is continuously updating its travel requirements database with health declarations, entry restrictions, airport screening protocols, and quarantine requirements as new measures are announced.
Key restrictions by country
United States – Entry ban with designated airport exceptions
Non-citizens who have been in the DRC, South Sudan, or Uganda within the prior 21 days are currently prohibited from entering the United States under a CDC Title 42 Order, effective 18 May 2026. The U.S. State Department has issued Level 4 travel advisories for all three countries.
The following categories of traveller are exempt from this restriction, provided they enter through one of the designated airports listed below:
- Members of the U.S. armed forces and associated personnel
- U.S. government personnel serving overseas and associated personnel, including spouses and children (subject to required assurances)
- Commercial aviation and maritime crew
- Commercial crew of flights carrying only cargo
- Unaccompanied alien children/minors
- Diplomats
- Persons approved by U.S. customs officers based on significant law enforcement, humanitarian, or public health considerations
- Non-citizens admitted as part of a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) approved process
Designated U.S. entry airports for exempt passengers:
- Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
- Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL)
Canada – Mandatory quarantine or hospital isolation
Passengers who have been in the DRC, South Sudan, or Uganda within 21 days of arrival are subject to enhanced health protocols on arrival. Asymptomatic travellers must quarantine for 21 days at a suitable location. Those displaying symptoms will be isolated in hospital for further medical assessment.
South Korea – Voluntary screening on arrival
Passengers who have been in the DRC, South Sudan, Rwanda, or Uganda within 21 days are asked to voluntarily present for quarantine screening on arrival. Anyone displaying clinical symptoms of Ebola will be transferred to a designated government hospital for additional testing and quarantine.
Other affected countries
A further 14 countries – Bahrain, the Bahamas, Barbados, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, India, Jordan, Kenya, Mauritius, Rwanda, Singapore, Tanzania, Thailand, and Taiwan – have introduced varying levels of health declarations, arrival screening, and entry restrictions. Jordan and Bahrain have suspended entry for nationals arriving from affected countries. Measures typically apply to passengers who have recently been in the DRC, South Sudan, Rwanda, or Uganda.
How TravelDoc is responding
As with any fast-moving international health event, the volume and pace of regulatory change creates significant operational challenges for airlines, OTAs, and ground handlers. TravelDoc is actively monitoring government and health authority announcements across all affected and at-risk countries, updating its requirements database in real time.
The platform provides timely data on entry restrictions, health declaration requirements, airport-level screening protocols, and quarantine rules – giving travel industry operators the information they need to manage passenger compliance and reduce the risk of INAD incidents before departure.
Travel requirements linked to the Ebola outbreak are changing rapidly. Airlines and travel operators should consult TravelDoc’s live database for the latest entry rules before each departure. Contact your TravelDoc account manager for support with integrating real-time health requirement alerts into your workflows.
The situation is moving daily – Last updated 03/06/2026
