US blocks travel for citizens in Congo amid Ebola outbreak

The Trump administration announced a travel restriction for U.S. citizens in the Democratic Republic of Congo, placing them on a “do‑not‑board” list under Title 49. Americans in the DRC or who have recently left must spend at least 21 days in a third country before they can fly to the United States.

The measure comes as the Ebola outbreak in the DRC expands to 1,926 confirmed cases and 702 deaths. About two dozen U.S. travelers were scheduled to board flights when the order was issued. The State Department said it will support affected citizens during the waiting period.

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. signed the order, citing heightened Ebola risk near Kinshasa. The CDC reported that a U.S. humanitarian worker tested positive for the Bundibugyo Ebola virus, and two Americans have been treated in Germany – one at Frankfurt University Hospital and another, Dr. Peter Stafford, also in Germany.