The United States government has implemented new travel restrictions for American citizens and lawful permanent residents who have recently visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan. Effective May 21, 2026, these individuals must enter the country exclusively through Washington Dulles International Airport to undergo enhanced health screenings. This measure, announced by the U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs via its X handle, is a direct response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak linked to the Bundibugyo virus disease in the region.
Details of the Restriction
The directive applies to all affected travelers, including U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, who have been present in any of the three countries within 21 days before arriving in the United States. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection will conduct enhanced public health screening procedures at Washington Dulles International Airport. Authorities have also warned travelers to anticipate possible disruptions to flight schedules, stating, “Please be prepared for flight changes or cancellations.”
International Concern
This move follows heightened international concern over the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda, which the World Health Organization recently classified as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The restriction aims to mitigate the risk of the virus spreading within the United States while ensuring that affected individuals receive proper medical evaluation.
