Travelers who were recently in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda or South Sudan now face temporary U.S. entry restrictions under a CDC public health order issued on June 21, 2026. The order continues a suspension on the entry of specified foreign nationals for 30 days, while U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals may still enter the United States but must go through enhanced public health screening.

This is not a normal travel advisory. It can affect flights, airport routing, rebooking, screening time and post-arrival health monitoring.

The three countries named by CDC are:

• Democratic Republic of the Congo, also called DRC
• Uganda
• South Sudan

The reason is the ongoing Ebola response in the region. CDC says the immediate risk to the general U.S. public remains low, but it is using layered border measures to reduce the chance of Ebola entering the country through international travel.

Also read – India Tightens Travel Advisory Over Ebola Outbreak

Who Is Banned From Entering the U.S. Under the CDC Ebola Order?

Certain non-U.S. citizens who were in DRC, Uganda or South Sudan within the past 21 days are temporarily prohibited from entering the United States. CDC’s official returning traveler guidance says this includes certain non-U.S. citizens, including U.S. lawful permanent residents, also known as Green Card holders.

That detail matters because many travelers hear “entry ban” and assume it only applies to tourists. The current CDC language is broader than that.

The safest way to read this rule is simple: your passport alone may not answer the question. Your recent travel history matters.

Which Countries Trigger the U.S. Ebola Entry Restriction?

The CDC restriction focuses on recent presence in DRC, Uganda or South Sudan during the 21 days before U.S. entry. That means the rule can affect travelers who departed from those countries, stayed there, worked there, visited family there or transited in a way U.S. authorities consider “presence.”

CDC also says the Department of Homeland Security determines whether a traveler needs to be redirected for public health entry screening.

This is especially important for complicated routes such as:

• Kinshasa to Addis Ababa to Washington
• Entebbe to Doha to New York
• Juba to Nairobi to Atlanta
• A flight that stops in one of the listed countries before continuing onward

If your plane stopped in DRC, Uganda or South Sudan and you stayed on board, CDC says DHS will determine whether that counts for redirection or other screening steps.

Also read – Is It Safe to Book Flights During the 2026 Ebola Outbreak?

How Long Does the CDC 30-Day Entry Ban Last?

The June 21 CDC order is currently set to remain in effect for 30 days. CDC says the suspension is temporary while it completes a public health risk assessment and coordinates mitigation measures with partner agencies.

For travelers, the practical takeaway is this: do not assume a July itinerary is safe just because the rule says 30 days. Public health orders can be extended, amended, modified or ended depending on outbreak conditions.

Before paying for a new ticket, check:

1. The latest CDC Ebola returning traveler page
2. The CDC order page on the entry restriction
3. Your airline’s rebooking instructions
4. U.S. embassy or consular updates for your location
5. Travel insurance terms for public health restrictions

Are U.S. Citizens Allowed to Return From DRC, Uganda or South Sudan?

Yes, U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals may still enter the United States, but they should expect enhanced screening. CDC says these travelers can be escorted to a designated screening area, asked to complete a questionnaire, have their temperature checked with a non-contact thermometer and be observed for signs of illness.

If the traveler has no symptoms, they will usually continue to their final destination after screening.

If the traveler has fever or symptoms that could match Ebola, CDC says a public health officer will conduct an additional evaluation. If Ebola is a concern, the traveler may be transferred to a hospital for medical evaluation and isolation.

Which U.S. Airports Are Handling Ebola Entry Screening?

Affected permitted travelers may be re-routed to selected U.S. airports where public health screening is available. CDC lists the following airport routing schedule:

If your ticket already lands at one of those airports, CDC says you will not be redirected to a different screening airport for that reason alone.

What Happens During Ebola Screening at the U.S. Border?

CDC screening is designed to identify symptoms, collect contact information and connect travelers with public health follow-up if needed. It is not the same as a full medical exam for every traveler.

Travelers may be asked to:

• Go to a designated airport screening area
• Answer questions about recent travel and symptoms
• Provide contact details for health department follow-up
• Have a temperature check
• Be observed for visible signs of illness
• Receive instructions for monitoring symptoms after arrival

A practical tip: keep your U.S. address, phone number, emergency contact and full travel history easy to access. Do not bury hotel confirmations or onward flight details inside a dead phone. Print them or save offline screenshots.

What Symptoms Should Travelers Watch For After Leaving Affected Countries?

Travelers should monitor their health for 21 days after leaving DRC, Uganda or South Sudan. CDC says Ebola symptoms can appear within 2 to 21 days after exposure, and travelers should act quickly if they feel sick.

Symptoms to watch for include:

• Fever or feeling feverish
• Weakness or unusual tiredness
• Headache or body aches
• Sore throat
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Rash
• Unexplained bleeding or bruising

The most useful advice is also the simplest: do not walk into a clinic waiting room without calling first if you recently traveled from an affected area and have symptoms. Call your local health department or medical provider, explain your travel history and follow their instructions.

Also read – IATA Chief Says No Jet Fuel Shortage This Year – But Why?

Will Airlines Rebook Travelers Affected by the CDC Order?

Airlines may rebook affected travelers if routing changes are needed for screening, but CDC does not reimburse travel costs. CDC says airlines will work with affected travelers whose flights need to be re-routed to screening airports.

That does not mean every extra hotel night, missed connection or new ticket will be paid by the government. CDC says it does not reimburse travelers for costs caused by redirection, missed flights or related travel expenses.

Before accepting a new itinerary, ask the airline these direct questions:

1. Will this new route comply with CDC screening requirements?
2. Will my checked bag be transferred automatically?
3. Will the airline cover a hotel if the rebooking creates an overnight delay?
4. Will my onward domestic connection be protected?
5. Can you email written proof that this change was caused by public health routing?

That last point matters for insurance claims, employer reimbursement and visa-related explanations.

What Should Travelers Not Do Right Now?

Do not try to “route around” the rule by hiding recent travel history. U.S. entry screening can involve airline data, passport stamps, booking records and border questioning. Giving false information can create immigration and public health problems far bigger than a delayed trip.

Also avoid these mistakes:

• Do not book separate tickets if your route may be redirected.
• Do not assume transit never counts. DHS decides how recent presence is treated.
• Do not travel while sick. CDC says anyone with symptoms should avoid travel and contact public health authorities.
• Do not rely on old screenshots of CDC pages. The situation can change quickly.
• Do not assume Green Card status automatically removes the issue. CDC’s current page specifically mentions certain lawful permanent residents.

Why Is CDC Taking This Step?

CDC is using the restriction because Ebola can be severe and may spread through travel before symptoms are recognized. Ebola does not spread like flu or COVID through casual air exposure. CDC explains that it spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of a person who is sick with or has died from Ebola.

That difference matters. The U.S. is not saying ordinary contact with a traveler is a major public risk. CDC says the general U.S. risk is low. The concern is identifying possible exposures early, monitoring travelers and making sure any symptomatic person is evaluated safely.

Bottom Line: What Travelers Should Do Today

If you were in DRC, Uganda or South Sudan within the past 21 days, check your eligibility before flying to the United States. The CDC order can affect whether you can enter, which airport you must use, how your airline books your route and what screening happens after arrival.

Here is the smart traveler checklist:

• Check the latest CDC page before booking.
• Contact your airline before going to the airport.
• Keep proof of citizenship, immigration status and travel history ready.
• Save your U.S. address and phone number offline.
• Monitor your health for 21 days after leaving the affected country.
• Call public health authorities immediately if symptoms develop.

The key point is not panic. The key point is preparation. This order is temporary, targeted and public-health driven, but for affected travelers, it can completely change a U.S.-bound trip.