US tightens travel rules for people returning from Ebola-hit regions

The U.S. is temporarily restricting travel for certain passengers who recently visited Uganda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in an effort to reduce the risk of Ebola transmission. These measures are part of U.S. public health protocols for travelers arriving from areas affected by Ebola.

U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals who have been present in Uganda or South Sudan (and not present in DRC) within 21 days before arrival in the U.S. will have their air travel routed through designated U.S. airports for public health entry screening, according to CDC guidelines. This requirement applies even to passengers who only transited through Uganda or South Sudan on a connecting flight. Travelers, including U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals, who have been in DRC within 21 days before departure would not be allowed to board commercial flights with U.S. destinations. Those travelers should remain outside the U.S. until 21 days have passed since they left DRC. Travelers who have been in Ebola outbreak-affected provinces in DRC may face additional travel requirements imposed by local authorities before they are permitted to leave the country. If Ebola is suspected, patients will be transferred to a hospital for medical evaluation, isolation, and care.