Ebola Travel Restrictions 2026: Which Countries Have Banned or Screened Travelers — and What You Need to Know

THE OUTBREAK: WHAT TRAVELERS NEED TO UNDERSTAND

The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus is driving this outbreak, and unlike other strains, it currently has no approved vaccines or treatments. [CNN] That distinction is critical — it explains why governments are acting more aggressively than during some previous outbreaks. Uganda has reported seven confirmed cases, including one death. South Sudan has also been placed on watch lists by multiple countries due to its geographic proximity and cross-border movement with the DRC.

The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern [CNN]— its highest level of alert — which has directly accelerated the pace at which national governments are introducing restrictions.

COUNTRY-BY-COUNTRY TRAVEL RESTRICTION BREAKDOWN

United States

The U.S. was among the first major destinations to act. On May 18, 2026, the CDC, Department of Homeland Security, and other federal agencies announced enhanced travel screening, entry restrictions, and public health measures to prevent Ebola from entering the United States amid the ongoing outbreaks in East and Central Africa. [CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/ebola/situation-summary/title-42-order.html)

The CDC put entry restrictions on non-U.S. passport holders who have been in Uganda, DRC, or South Sudan in the previous 21 days, and is coordinating with airlines, international partners, and port-of-entry officials to identify and manage travelers who may have been exposed to Ebola. [CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/ebola/situation-summary/index.html)

For travelers who have recently been in Ebola-affected countries, only U.S. citizens and nationals are guaranteed entry. Those with green cards will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and others cannot enter at all. [NPR](https://www.npr.org/2026/05/23/nx-s1-5831963/u-s-passengers-flying-from-ebola-affected-countries-rerouted) Permitted travelers from affected regions are being rerouted to specific airports for enhanced screening.

Canada

Canada is implementing some of the strictest measures, mandating that all arrivals who have visited the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan in the last 21 days quarantine for 21 days. [UPI](https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2026/05/27/drc-Bahamas-Canada-Thailand-Ebola-restrictions/4201779862899/)

The Bahamas

The Bahamas joined Canada and Thailand on Tuesday in imposing travel restrictions on travelers from Ebola-stricken regions, mostly focused on the admission of travelers from areas battling the Bundibugyo virus strain. [UPI](https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2026/05/27/drc-Bahamas-Canada-Thailand-Ebola-restrictions/4201779862899/)

Thailand

Thailand has announced tightened Ebola screening and 21-day observation, quarantine, or isolation measures for travelers from risk areas. [Wego Travel Blog](https://blog.wego.com/ebola-travel-restrictions/)

Bahrain

Bahrain has issued a temporary entry suspension for non-Bahraini travelers arriving from South Sudan, the DRC, or Uganda, including those who were in those countries within 30 days before arrival. Bahraini citizens are subject to health protocols on arrival. [Wego Travel Blog](https://blog.wego.com/ebola-travel-restrictions/)

Jordan

Jordan issued a temporary entry ban for travelers arriving from the DRC or Uganda, effective May 20, 2026, for 30 days. The ban applies to all travelers arriving from those countries, except Jordanian citizens. [Wego Travel Blog](https://blog.wego.com/ebola-travel-restrictions/)

Rwanda

Rwanda has announced a temporary entry denial for foreign nationals who traveled to or transited through the DRC within the previous 30 days. [Wego Travel Blog](https://blog.wego.com/ebola-travel-restrictions/)

Uganda

In an unusual move, one of the outbreak-affected countries has itself imposed restrictions. Uganda announced a temporary suspension of flights to and from the DRC, public passenger ferries on the Semliki River, and some border-area gatherings — affecting travelers moving between Uganda and the DRC by air or affected river and border routes. [Wego Travel Blog](https://blog.wego.com/ebola-travel-restrictions/)

WHY GOVERNMENTS ARE ACTING — AND THE RISKS OF GOING TOO FAR

The speed and breadth of these restrictions reflects the severity with which public health authorities are treating this outbreak. The lack of an approved vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain removes one of the key tools that contained previous outbreaks.

However, the World Health Organization has historically cautioned against blanket travel bans. In past outbreaks, overly broad restrictions have been shown to discourage health workers from volunteering in affected regions, disrupt supply chains of food and medicine into stricken areas, and ultimately impede outbreak containment — the opposite of the intended effect. Governments are attempting to strike a balance between protecting their own populations and maintaining enough openness for humanitarian and medical support to flow into affected zones.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR TRAVELERS

Anyone with upcoming travel to, from, or through the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan should:

- Check the latest entry requirements for their destination country, as rules are being updated frequently — sometimes within 24 to 48 hours.

- Be aware that transit through a third country does not necessarily exempt travelers from restrictions. Several countries, including Bahrain and Rwanda, are applying rules to travelers who have transited through affected regions, not just those departing directly.

- Contact their airline to understand rerouting policies, as some carriers are adjusting flight paths to comply with national health directives.

- Register with their home country's foreign affairs or travel advisory service for real-time alerts.

CONCLUSION

The 2026 Ebola outbreak has moved faster than many anticipated, and the international travel policy response is still evolving. As of late May 2026, the United States, Canada, Bahrain, Jordan, Rwanda, Thailand, the Bahamas, and Uganda itself have all introduced measures ranging from full entry bans to mandatory quarantine and enhanced screening. With the WHO's emergency declaration in place and no approved treatment for the current Bundibugyo strain, further restrictions from additional countries remain likely in the days and weeks ahead. Travelers are strongly advised to monitor official government advisories and airline communications closely before making any journey involving the affected region.

Sources: CDC, WHO, UPI, CNN, NPR, Wego Travel Blog — as of May 28, 2026