CDC Extends Ebola Entry Ban Through October 11, Adds New Restrictions for US Citizens
Updated: 5 hours ago
ATLANTA, September 16, 2026 — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has extended its Ebola-related public health entry ban for a further 30 days, through October 11, 2026, while adding new travel restrictions that now reach certain U.S. citizens and nationals.
The extension took effect at 5:00 p.m. ET on September 11, 2026, and will remain in force for 30 days unless the CDC amends the order before then.
The Foreign National Entry Ban
The CDC order bars entry to foreign nationals who have departed from or were otherwise present within the following countries in the past 21 days, regardless of their country of origin:
Restricted Country |
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) |
Uganda |
South Sudan |
The ban carries narrow exceptions. It does not apply to U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals — though, as set out below, separate restrictions now cover those groups.
New Restrictions on U.S. Citizens and Nationals
The latest guidance published on the CDC website goes beyond the scope of the formal extension order, adding restrictions for U.S. citizens and nationals:
Travel History | Restriction |
Present in DRC within 21 days before departure | Not permitted to board commercial flights with U.S. destinations |
Present in Uganda or South Sudan (but not DRC) within 21 days of arrival | Must enter only through designated airports for enhanced screening |
These are the most significant measures yet to touch U.S. citizens directly. Previous iterations of the ban applied only to foreign nationals.
How the Order Has Evolved
The CDC first issued a public health entry ban in May 2026, citing an Ebola outbreak in Africa. At that stage, the order did not apply to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or U.S. lawful permanent residents.
Since then, the ban has been repeatedly extended and progressively widened. It now encompasses lawful permanent residents and, through the new website guidance, some U.S. citizens and nationals.
Phase | Scope |
May 2026 (initial) | Foreign nationals only |
Subsequent extensions | Expanded to include LPRs |
Current order (Sept 2026) | LPRs plus restrictions on U.S. citizens and nationals |
What This Means for Travellers
Anyone with recent travel history to the affected countries should verify their position before booking or boarding.
Key practical points:
The 21-day lookback is the trigger — not nationality alone
U.S. citizens and nationals are not exempt from the new website-based restrictions
Those with Uganda or South Sudan travel history must route through designated airports
Restrictions may change before October 11 given the dynamic nature of the outbreak response
Because the situation is evolving, the CDC advises travellers to review the latest guidance on its website before finalising any travel plans.
Key Dates
Date | Event |
May 2026 | Initial CDC entry ban issued |
September 11, 2026 (5pm ET) | Extended ban takes effect |
October 11, 2026 | Current order scheduled to expire |
Quick Reference Summary
Aspect | Details |
Order Type | Public health entry ban |
Affected Countries | DRC, Uganda, South Sudan |
Lookback Period | 21 days |
Foreign Nationals | Entry barred |
U.S. Citizens – DRC History | Cannot board U.S.-bound commercial flights |
U.S. Citizens – Uganda/South Sudan History | Must use designated airports |
Effective | September 11, 2026, 5pm ET |
Expires | October 11, 2026 (unless amended) |
Read Also
Official Resources
Resource | Link |
CDC – Ebola Outbreak Travel Guidance | |
CDC – Public Health Entry Ban Orders | |
U.S. Department of State – Travel Advisories | |
Federal Register – CDC Orders |
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