U.S. issues 21-day travel bans for DRC Ebola outbreak

The U.S. Department of State has issued updated emergency travel guidance following an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Under the new rules, any traveler who has been physically present in the DRC within 21 days of a scheduled flight to the United States will be denied boarding. This restriction applies to all travelers, including U.S. citizens and nationals.

Foreign nationals, including U.S. lawful permanent residents, face similar 21-day restrictions if they have recently been in Uganda or South Sudan. For U.S. citizens and nationals returning from Uganda or South Sudan (but not the DRC), entry is restricted to specific airports: Washington Dulles, Atlanta, Houston Intercontinental, or New York JFK.

The restrictions pose significant mobility challenges for regional travelers and international businesses. Transit passengers through hubs like Ghana’s Kotoka International Airport may also be affected if they have recently visited the affected regions. The guidance notes that even if a traveler does not leave an aircraft during a multi-stop itinerary, the recent presence in these countries can trigger boarding denials.