What Travelers Must Know About Returning to the United States from DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan | Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs)

General Information

Why is CDC taking these actions?

CDC issued emergency public well being measures to assist scale back the chance of Ebola spreading into the United States throughout the present outbreak response. Ebola is a severe viral illness that spreads by means of direct contact with contaminated bodily fluids and could be deadly. Because individuals uncovered to Ebola might journey earlier than signs start, CDC is implementing layered prevention measures.

Entry Restrictions

Who is prohibited from coming into the United States?

Under a CDC Order efficient May 18, 2026, sure non-U.S. residents who had been in DRC, South Sudan, or Uganda, inside the previous 21 days are quickly prohibited from coming into the United States.

As of May 22, 2026, HHS has issued an interim ultimate rule revising the authority underneath 42 CFR Part 71.40, which quickly limits the entry of particular individuals into the United States to assist cease the unfold of harmful ailments. The revised rule now applies the flexibility to droop introduction into the United States to U.S. lawful everlasting residents (inexperienced card holders). Given the present Ebola outbreak, this implies lawful everlasting residents who’ve been within the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda, or South Sudan inside the final 21 days are prevented from coming into the United States.

How lengthy will this final?

The suspension is non permanent and is presently set to stay in impact for 30 days whereas CDC completes a public well being danger evaluation and coordinates mitigation measures with associate businesses.

Public Health Entry Screening and Travel Procedures

If I’m not topic to the entry restrictions, what occurs after I arrive within the United States?

Travelers permitted to enter the United States who’ve lately been in DRC, South Sudan, or Uganda will bear enhanced public well being entry screening.

Will my flight change?

Possibly. These vacationers may have their air journey re-routed to reach at choose airports. Airlines will work with affected vacationers to rebook flights.

Travelers may have their air journey re-routed to reach at:

• Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD), beginning Wednesday, May 20, 2026, after 11:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), beginning Friday, May 22, 2026, after 11:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time
• George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), beginning Tuesday, May 26, 2026, after 11:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time

What occurs throughout public well being entry screening?

Travelers might:

• Be escorted to a delegated screening space
• Complete a short questionnaire about journey historical past and signs
• Have their temperature checked utilizing non-contact thermometers
• Be noticed for indicators of sickness by CDC employees

CDC may acquire contact data for follow-up by state or native public well being authorities if wanted. Some vacationers might have an extra public well being evaluation if they’ve been in sure conditions.

What if I should not have signs?

Travelers with out signs will obtain details about monitoring their well being for 21 days after leaving the affected international locations. Most vacationers with out signs will proceed to their ultimate vacation spot after public well being entry screening.

What if I’ve signs throughout screening?

Travelers with fever or different signs that may very well be Ebola will obtain further analysis by a CDC public well being officer. If the evaluation exhibits {that a} traveler could also be sick with Ebola, the traveler will probably be transferred to a hospital for additional medical analysis and isolation.

Public Health Follow-Up

Will CDC contact me after I arrive?

CDC will use automated textual content messages to remind vacationers arriving from DRC, South Sudan, or Uganda to watch their well being and actions to take if signs develop. Traveler contact data will even be shared with state and native well being departments for extra follow-up and assist.

Does screening detect each Ebola case?

No. Public well being entry screening can’t determine vacationers who’re contaminated however not but exhibiting signs. Ebola signs can develop as much as 21 days after publicity. Screening is one a part of a broader, layered public well being method that additionally consists of exit screening abroad, airline sickness reporting, and public well being monitoring after arrival.