Ebola outbreak: countries imposing travel restrictions
A new outbreak of the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda has prompted several countries to implement measures to halt its spread.
According to Al Jazeera (28 May 2026), the World Health Organization (WHO) has recorded 220 suspected deaths and 900 suspected cases of the deadly Bundibugyo virus (BVD) in DRC since Kinshasa declared the outbreak on 15 May. In Uganda, five cases and one death have been confirmed.
The UN health agency raised its national risk assessment for DRC from high to very high last week, but maintains a low global risk level.
Despite this, several countries have announced temporary travel bans and border measures to contain the new strain.
This week, Congo’s Ministry of Transportation and Communications suspended all flights to and from Bunia in eastern DRC to contain the outbreak. Bunia health zone is one of 11 affected zones in DRC. exceptions, such as humanitarian, medical, and emergency flights, may be permitted with special approval from aviation and health authorities.
Uganda has also imposed travel restrictions to and from DRC. all direct flights have been suspended, while bus and boat crossings at borders have been halted for four weeks. weekly markets in border districts have been suspended, though cargo, essential goods, and food supplies are still allowed to transit.
Beyond the directly affected regions, Canada and the Bahamas have temporarily banned entry for residents of DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan.
The Canadian government stated that residents from these countries cannot travel to Canada for 90 days starting Wednesday. Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and other foreign nationals who have been in affected areas in recent weeks must quarantine for 21 days from 30 May, even if asymptomatic, according to Canada’s public health agency.
Meanwhile, the Bahamian government said entry restrictions would take effect immediately and last 30 days, with provisions to be reviewed by the Caribbean nation’s health ministry.
Last week, the United States banned all foreign nationals who had traveled to DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan within the past 21 days. on Friday, the Centers Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) extended the ban to green card holders who had been in those countries within 21 days.
US citizens who have visited affected areas are advised to return via specific airports with enhanced screening: Washington Dulles International (IAD) for flights after 21 May; Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) after 22 May; and Houston’s George Bush (IAH) after 26 May.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the Trump administration is expected to deploy US public health officials to Kenya to man potential quarantine facilities for Americans exposed or at high risk of testing positive for the virus in the region, as well as those who have tested positive.
In the Middle East, Jordan suspended entry for people from DRC and Uganda on 19 May, per state-run news agency reports. Bahrain also suspended entry for foreign travelers from South Sudan, DRC, and Uganda for 30 days on the same day.
No Ebola cases have been recorded in Canada, the Bahamas, the US, Jordan, or Bahrain to date.
India has implemented additional screening measures at major international airports and issued travel warnings urging citizens to avoid trips to DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan.
New Delhi also delayed its India-Africa summit scheduled this week and canceled the International Big Cat Alliance meeting, a India-led coalition of 95 nations working to conserve seven large cat species. many alliance members are African.
Thailand has announced that only arrivals from DRC and Uganda via Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport will be permitted, provided they test negative upon arrival.
Mexico’s health minister also announced enhanced Ebola screening at airports on Monday.