WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. government has issued a Worldwide Caution health alert following an outbreak of Ebola disease in Central and East Africa. Under new directives, all passengers arriving in the United States who have been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda, or South Sudan within 21 days of their arrival must enter through specific, designated airports to undergo enhanced public health screening.
The mandate, enforced jointly by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Customs and Border Protection (CBP), applies strictly to all incoming travelers, including U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and non-U.S. citizens (such as Lawful Permanent Residents).
Mandated Screening at Designated Entry Points
The restriction routes all individuals with recent transit history through the affected African nations to specific U.S. airports equipped with specialized medical screening infrastructure. Federal authorities modified the official list of designated entry points multiple times late last month to scale up operations.
Impact on Travel: Because travelers are being routed exclusively through designated hubs, passengers originating from or transiting through the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan should expect sudden flight changes, rerouting, or cancellations.
Official Directives for Travelers
U.S. authorities have urged travelers planning entry into the United States to take immediate preventative and administrative actions:
Coordinate with Airlines: Contact carriers directly to confirm flight paths, rebooking protocols, and routing compliance.
Review Official Port Lists: Consult the CDC and DHS portals regarding the Modification of List of Designated Airports to ensure arrival plans align with designated health-screening hubs.
Register for Alerts: U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real-time safety, security, and health updates.
For immediate consular assistance or specific inquiries regarding the travel restrictions, the State Department – Consular Affairs can be reached at +1-888-407-4747 (toll-free) or +1-202-501-4444(international).
