U.S. CDC Expands Ebola-Related Entry Ban to Include Green Card Holders from DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan
- Xavi
- May 28
- 3 min read
Updated: May 28
Atlanta/Washington, May 28, 2026 — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has significantly broadened its temporary entry ban linked to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Central Africa. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs, or Green Card holders) who have been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda, or South Sudan within the past 21 days are now subject to the 30-day suspension of entry into the United States.
The expansion was formalized through an interim final rule published in the Federal Register on May 22, 2026, which temporarily removes the previous exception for Green Card holders from the public health entry ban regulation. The revised ban order is effective immediately and will remain in place for 30 days, unless extended or terminated earlier by health authorities.
Who Is Affected?
The entry ban now applies to:
All foreign nationals (including nonimmigrants and LPRs) who have been physically present in the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan in the past 21 days, regardless of their country of origin or current nationality.
Still Exempt:
U.S. citizens and nationals of the United States
U.S. military members and U.S. government personnel stationed overseas (including their families, with certain restrictions)
Individuals granted case-by-case exceptions by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for humanitarian, law enforcement, public safety, or significant public health reasons
Other exceptions approved by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in coordination with the CDC
Background and Public Health Rationale
The CDC first issued the entry ban on May 18, 2026, in response to a new Ebola virus disease outbreak in parts of Central Africa. The measure is authorized under federal public health laws that allow the CDC Director to suspend entry when a quarantinable communicable disease poses a serious risk of introduction into the United States.
Ebola is a serious viral hemorrhagic fever characterized by high mortality rates. Although outbreaks are typically controlled through swift action, the CDC is implementing proactive measures to safeguard the U.S. population during this time of increased risk.
Practical Impact on Travelers and Residents
Green Card Holders: Individuals who have recently traveled to the affected countries need to postpone their trip to the U.S. until the 21-day period is over or the ban is removed.
Airlines and Travel Operators: Expected to enforce enhanced screening for passengers departing from or transiting through high-risk areas.
Visa Processing: Additional scrutiny is likely for nationals from the region during this period.
Pending Applications: Adjustment of status and immigrant visa cases involving recent travel to these countries may face delays or additional health checks.
Travelers are strongly advised to consult the latest CDC travel health notices and contact their airlines or immigration counsel before making any international plans.
Outlook and Next Steps
The interim final rule is scheduled to expire on November 27, 2026, unless terminated earlier by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. At the end of the current 30-day suspension period, the CDC will reassess the epidemiological situation and decide whether to extend, modify, or lift the restrictions.
This is the first time in recent years that Green Card holders have been included in a country-specific public health entry ban, highlighting the seriousness with which U.S. health authorities are treating the current Ebola outbreak.
For the latest updates on U.S. entry restrictions, health-related travel bans, visas, and immigration policy changes in 2026, visit: visasupdate.com/blog/categories/usa
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