Key facts
- The WHO declared an Ebola outbreak in the DRC a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
- The US is blocking citizens returning from DRC on commercial flights and banning non-citizens who traveled to affected countries.
- Canada, Jordan, and Bahrain have implemented entry bans for travelers from DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan.
- India, Thailand, Kenya, and Zambia have enhanced screening and surveillance measures.
- The EU has stated that additional border measures are not necessary.
- KLM cancelled flights to Uganda due to travel restrictions impacting crew.
The World Health Organization declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on May 17, citing a high risk of spread to neighboring countries. This declaration has led several nations to implement or enhance travel-related containment measures.
The United States announced on July 13 that it would block American citizens returning from the DRC on commercial flights and place them on a "do-not-board" list until they have spent at least 21 days in a third country. Additionally, non-citizens who had traveled to the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan are banned from entering the U.S.
Canada implemented a 90-day ban on residents from the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan starting May 27. Jordan suspended entry for travelers arriving from the DRC and Uganda on May 19, while Bahrain suspended foreign traveler entry from South Sudan, the DRC, and Uganda for 30 days on the same date.
India has initiated screening and surveillance at entry points and advised citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the affected regions. Thailand will only allow passengers arriving from the DRC and Uganda through Suvarnabhumi Airport, where they will undergo screening and mandatory quarantine of at least 21 days, with isolation for symptomatic individuals. Kenya has enhanced traveler screening at high-risk points of entry, and Zambia has increased its screening and surveillance for Ebola.
Conversely, the EU's Health Security Committee stated on May 22 that entry screenings were not necessary for passengers from the DRC and Uganda, citing a low risk. The U.S. government urged European nations to follow Washington's lead in imposing travel restrictions.
In response to the evolving situation and restrictions, KLM cancelled flights to Entebbe airport in Uganda due to measures affecting crew entry into the United States. Brussels Airlines adjusted its long-haul crew rosters to comply with U.S. entry requirements for those who had recently traveled to the DRC or Uganda.