US Extends Ebola Entry Ban for 3 African Countries Until November 10, 2026

The United States has extended its Ebola-related entry ban until November 10, 2026, restricting foreign nationals who have been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda or South Sudan during the previous 21 days.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) extended the restrictions for another 30 days from October 11. The order applies regardless of a traveller’s nationality or country of departure, subject to limited exceptions.

For international travellers, the key issue is recent travel history. Foreign nationals who have visited any of the three countries within the 21 days may face restrictions on entering the US.

Full List of Countries Under the US Entry Ban

The three countries covered by the extended restrictions are:

• Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
• Uganda
• South Sudan

The restrictions also cover US lawful permanent residents, including Green Card holders, who have been in any of these countries during the previous 21 days, subject to specified exceptions.

The entry-ban order excludes US citizens and US nationals, but separate CDC travel guidance imposes additional requirements on them.

What US Travellers Need to Know

The CDC’s separate guidance sets out additional restrictions:

• Democratic Republic of the Congo: US citizens and nationals who have been there within 21 days before departure cannot board commercial flights bound for the US.
• Uganda and South Sudan: US citizens and nationals who have visited either country, but not the DRC, within 21 days before arrival must enter through designated US airports for enhanced health screening.

The CDC’s designated screening airports are Washington Dulles International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.

The restrictions reflect an ongoing public health response to the Ebola outbreak. Travellers should check cdc.gov and confirm their eligibility with their airline before booking or travelling.

Travelobiz Take:

We recommend Indian travellers check their recent travel history before booking US flights. The restrictions target three countries, but transit itineraries and residency status can affect eligibility and boarding.