New Travel Regulations for US-Bound Passengers from Ebola-Affected Regions

Mandatory Entry Protocols for US Travelers

Beginning May 21, 2026, American citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) traveling to the United States who have visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan within the last 21 days will be required to enter exclusively through Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). This measure, introduced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) alongside the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection (CBP), aims to enhance public health screenings in light of the ongoing Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo, which has now affected parts of Uganda and South Sudan.

• This requirement is applicable to all travelers, including US citizens and green card holders, who have been in the specified countries within the 21 days prior to their arrival in the US.
• Travelers will need to adjust their flight plans to ensure they arrive at Dulles, where specialized health screening teams will perform additional checks.

The CDC and CBP are taking these measures to mitigate the risk of Ebola entering the United States. The enhanced screening process at Dulles will involve health questionnaires, temperature assessments, and visual checks for symptoms. Officials stress that while the overall risk to the public remains low, these precautions are essential due to the active outbreak in the region.

Travelers planning to depart from or transit through the affected countries are strongly encouraged to:

• Contact their airlines promptly to check for any flight modifications or cancellations.
• Allocate additional time for arrival and processing at Dulles.
• Stay updated with official communications from the CDC and CBP regarding any changes to these requirements.

This situation is evolving rapidly as the response to Ebola continues in Central Africa. Travelers should review the latest guidance from the CDC and their airlines prior to departure.