Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
Information for Travelers Returning from Ebola-Affected Areas
For Everyone
July 14, 2026
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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 is temporarily restricting U.S. entry for all travelers who were recently in DRC and certain travelers who were recently in Uganda or South Sudan.
- 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.
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.
American citizens who are departing from DRC may be subject to a DO NOT BOARD (DNB) order by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to reduce the risk of Ebola importation into the United States. Americans can return to the United States 21 days after leaving DRC.
On May 18, 2026, CDC, 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 July 13, 2026. It will be in effect for 30 days.
Keep Reading
Order: Suspending the Right to Introduce Certain Persons from Countries Where a Quarantinable Communicable Disease Exists
Before travel to the U.S.
CDC is temporarily restricting U.S. entry for all travelers who were recently in DRC and certain travelers who were recently in Uganda or South Sudan. 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 Uganda and South Sudan in the past 21 days and are allowed to enter the United States 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 Uganda or South Sudan, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will determine if they need to be redirected to a designated U.S. airport.
Entry screening
Travelers permitted to enter the United States who have recently been in 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
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 Uganda
Watch 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 Uganda
Take your temperature every day and again if you feel sick. - If you were in South Sudan
Take your temperature if you feel sick. - Watch for symptoms
Watch 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).
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 (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.
Keep in mind
While you are being monitored in the United States, if you plan to travel domestically or internationally, tell your health department before you travel. Advance notification to public health authorities at your destination can also help prevent unforeseen disruptions to travel plans (e.g., denial of entry).
CDC recommends that you remain in the United States and avoid international travel and cruise ship travel during your 21-day monitoring period.
For more information visit Ebola and Bundibugyo Virus Frequently Asked Questions.
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 or the health authorities where you are 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.
Call a healthcare provider. Tell them your symptoms and that you were recently in a country with risk of Ebola. Calling ahead before going to a healthcare facility helps the facility prepare for your arrival, including contacting the health department and taking any precautions needed.
Resources
Questions?
Get answers to your questions about Ebola and Bundibugyo virus on CDC's FAQ page.
- Ebola Disease Basics
- Ebola Outbreak: Current Situation
- History of Ebola Outbreaks
- 24-hour Health Department Contacts