What to know
- CDC is responding to an outbreak of Ebola disease in areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda. The full scope of the outbreak is rapidly evolving.
- CDC temporarily restricted U.S. entry for certain travelers who were recently in DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan.
- U.S. citizens and nationals may still enter the United States but will undergo enhanced public health entry screening.
- Travelers should monitor themselves for Ebola symptoms for 21 days after leaving affected countries.
- Anyone who develops symptoms should avoid travel and contact public health authorities immediately.
Background
CDC is assessing travelers arriving in the United States who have recently been in DRC or Uganda, as well as neighboring South Sudan, for symptoms of and possible exposure to Ebola.
On May 18, 2026, CDC, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and other appropriate federal agencies announced public health entry screening, entry restrictions, and other public health measures to prevent Ebola disease from entering the United States. An Order continuing the suspension of the right to introduce specified foreign nationals into the United States was issued on June 21, 2026. It will be in effect for 30 days.
Before travel to the U.S.
At this time, only U.S. citizens and nationals, and certain U.S. government and military personnel, may enter the United States if they have been in DRC, South Sudan or Uganda in the past 21 days. There are case-by-case humanitarian or law enforcement exceptions. For more information, see Ebola and Bundibugyo Virus Frequently Asked Questions.
Air passengers who have been in one of these countries in the past 21 days and are allowed to enter the U.S. will have their travel rerouted to a designated airport for public health entry screening. Airlines will work with affected travelers to rebook flights.
These airports are:
• Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Virginia outside Washington, D.C.
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in Atlanta, Georgia
• George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, Texas
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City
If someone has only transited through one of these countries, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will determine if they are considered to have been in DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan for the purpose of redirection to a designated U.S. airport.
Entry screening
Travelers permitted to enter the United States who have recently been in DRC, South Sudan, or Uganda will undergo public health entry screening.
During entry screening, travelers may
- Be escorted to a designated screening area
- Complete a brief questionnaire about travel history and symptoms
- Have their temperature checked using a non-contact thermometer
- Be observed for signs of illness by CDC staff
- Be enrolled in automated text messages from CDC to remind them to monitor their health for 21 days
Some travelers may have an additional public health assessment if they have been in certain situations. CDC may also share contact information with state or local public health authorities if needed for follow-up and support.
Travelers without symptoms
Travelers without symptoms will receive information about monitoring their health for 21 days after leaving the affected country. Most travelers without symptoms will continue to their final destination after public health entry screening.
Travelers with symptoms during screening
Travelers with fever or other symptoms that could be Ebola will receive additional evaluation by a CDC public health officer. If the assessment shows that a traveler may be sick with Ebola, the traveler will be transferred to a hospital for medical evaluation, isolation, and care.
Steps to take after travel
- If you have been in DRC, South Sudan, or UgandaWatch your health for 21 days after you left the country. CDC will send you automated text messages reminding you to watch for symptoms and to take action if you get sick.
- If you were in DRC or UgandaTake your temperature every day and again if you feel sick.
- If you were in South SudanTake your temperature if you feel sick.
- Watch for symptomsWatch for Ebola symptoms such as fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher) or feeling feverish, headache or body aches, rash, weakness or tiredness, sore throat, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, unexplained bleeding or bruising (a late stage of illness).
Follow instructions from public health authorities
Your health department will follow up with you during the 21 days after you left the affected country. This follow-up is determined by which of the affected countries (DRC or Uganda vs. South Sudan) you were in during the previous 21 days and what you did there. Public health authorities may provide additional instructions for some travelers.
What to do if you get sick
If you develop signs or symptoms of Ebola disease:
- Separate yourself from others (isolate).
- Call your local health department for advice about medical care. Tell the health department about your recent travel from a country with risk of Ebola and what your symptoms are so they can identify the best healthcare facility for you to go to, if needed. The health department can help the facility prepare to provide care for you and take any precautions needed. Follow all their instructions.
- Do not travel while sick. Travel only when you have been cleared by a doctor or health official.