A rapidly expanding Ebola outbreak in Central Africa is prompting governments worldwide to tighten travel controls, with restrictions targeting passengers who have recently visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda and South Sudan.
The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, has spread beyond the DRC, with imported cases confirmed in Kenya and Nigeria.
However, the World Health Organization (WHO) continues to advise against general travel or trade restrictions against affected countries.
According to theEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC),the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where community transmission is ongoing, has reported a total of 10 193 confirmed cases. It includes 4 960 related deaths (from data up until 27 October). Since the beginning of the outbreak, eight provinces have been affected: Ituri, Nord-Kivu, Sud-Kivu, Tshopo, Haut-Uélé, Bas-Uélé, Sud Ubangi and Nord Ubangi.
Kenya has reported nine confirmed cases and two deaths, all linked to an imported infection involving a traveler from the DRC who entered the country through Uganda. There is currently no evidence of wider community transmission.
Nigeria confirmed its first imported case on October 20 in Abuja. The patient had traveled from Uganda. Investigations and contact tracing are continuing.
Border controls tighten in Africa
Uganda has introduced some of the region’s toughest measures to prevent further transmission. Under restrictions announced on October 25, movement between Uganda and the DRC has been limited to essential personnel, including humanitarian workers and truck drivers, who must undergo health screening.
Nonessential Congolese travelers are being turned back, while Ugandan nationals returning from the DRC must undergo 21 days of quarantineat their own expense. Travelers with a recent history of visiting the DRC are also barred from transiting through Uganda.
Authorities have stepped up screening at Entebbe International Airport and land border crossings. Passenger locator forms and health checks are required for arrivals.
Rwanda has also suspended entry for travelers who have visited or transited through the DRC within the previous 30 days. Rwandan nationals and permanent residents can return but must undergo quarantine.
US and international restrictions
TheUnited Stateshas introduced particularly stringent measures. Travelers who have been in the DRC during the 21 days before their flight are not permitted to board commercial flights to the US, including American citizens.
Passengers who have visited Uganda or South Sudan within the same period are subject to enhanced screening and must enter through designated US airports.
From November 3, all passengers boarding international flights to the US will also have to attest that they have not been in the DRC during the preceding 21 days.
Other countries have adopted a mixture of entry bans, screening and quarantine requirements.
Canada has barred foreign nationals who visited the DRC within 21 days of travel, while Israel, Jordan, Kuwait and Qatarhave introduced entry restrictions covering travelers with recent exposure to the DRC and, in several cases, Uganda and South Sudan.
Bahrainhas imposed a 30-day travel-history restriction. Saudi Arabiahas suspended visas and entry for travelers from the three countries, including those arriving through third countries.
Indiarequires international passengers to submit a declaration covering their travel history, possible exposure and symptoms during the previous 21 days. Thailand asks affected travelers and airline crew to enter through Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, where health monitoring or quarantine can last up to 21 days.
The Philippines has introduced arrival screening and 21-day monitoring, with mandatory quarantine for people known to have been exposed.
Despite these measures, WHO is urging countries to avoid blanket travel restrictions, emphasizing surveillance, contact tracing, screening at points of entry and coordinated cross-border responses.
For airlines, tour operators and travelers, the rapidly changing requirements mean checking individual destination rules and recent travel histories before departure is essential.
