The World Health Organization on Sunday, May 17, declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, warning that there was a high risk of the virus spreading to neighboring countries.
Following the announcement, governments around the world began strengthening travel-related containment and screening measures. Below is a list of the travel restrictions and health screening steps introduced by different countries.
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United States
Last week, the United States barred non-citizens who had recently traveled to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan from entering the country. On Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expanded the restriction to include green card holders who had been in those nations within the previous 21 days.
The CDC also added Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to its list of designated screening airports on Saturday, alongside Washington Dulles International Airport. U.S. citizens returning from affected regions are directed to specialized screening areas, where CDC officials conduct temperature checks, review travel histories, and monitor symptoms.
Canada
The Canada announced on Tuesday that residents from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan will be prohibited from entering the country for 90 days starting Wednesday.
According to a statement from Canada’s public health agency, Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and certain foreign nationals who have recently visited the affected countries and are not showing symptoms will still be required to quarantine for 21 days beginning May 30.
The Bahamas
The government of The Bahamas said on Tuesday that a 30-day entry ban on residents from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan would take effect immediately.
Authorities also introduced enhanced health screenings and potential quarantine requirements for travelers who had been in those countries within 30 days before arriving in the Caribbean nation.
India
India has introduced screening and surveillance measures at airports and other entry points, issued health advisories, and urged citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan.
Jordan
The government of Jordan suspended the entry of travelers arriving from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda on May 19, according to the Jordanian state news agency.
Bahrain
Bahrain announced on May 19 that it would suspend entry for foreign travelers arriving from South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda for 30 days.
Cayman Islands
The government of the Cayman Islands said on May 20 that it would strengthen screening procedures after a flight arrived carrying two passengers who had recently traveled to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Thailand
Thailand said on Tuesday that passengers arriving from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda would only be permitted to enter through Suvarnabhumi Airport, where health screenings would be conducted.
Travelers arriving from or transiting through those countries who do not show symptoms will be required to quarantine for at least 21 days. Those displaying symptoms consistent with Ebola virus disease will be placed in isolation for a minimum of 21 days.
Kenya
The Kenya Ministry of Health announced on Monday that it had intensified screening procedures at high-risk entry points under the coordination of the Kenya National Public Health Institute and the fully activated National Incident Management System.
The ministry added that isolation and holding facilities had been activated at designated border locations to support possible containment measures.
European Union
The European Union Health Security Committee said on Friday that entry screening for passengers arriving from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda was not necessary, citing a low risk to the wider population.
Mexico
Mexico Health Secretary David Kershenovich announced stricter Ebola screening measures at airports on Monday. He also advised the public to avoid travel to Congo and urged arrivals from the country to observe a 21-day quarantine period.
