CDC Extends Entry Ban for Foreign Nationals Recently in DR Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan for An Additional 30 Days; U.S. Citizen Travel Restrictions Remain in Effect

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has further extended its existing entry ban, issued in response to the recent Ebola outbreak in Africa, for another 30 days through October 11, 2026. The CDC order confirms the entry ban continues to apply to foreign national travelers who have departed from or were otherwise present within the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda, or South Sudan in the past 21 days, regardless of their country of origin. The CDC order does not apply to U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals, among other narrow exceptions. The extended entry ban took effect at 5pm ET September 11, 2026, and will remain in effect for 30 days unless the CDC amends the order prior to that time.

Further, the latest guidance posted on the CDC website includes additional restrictions that are beyond the scope of the CDC extension order. The guidance posted on the CDC website adds restrictions for U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals as follows:

• U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals, who have been in DRC within 21 days before departure will not be permitted to board commercial flights with U.S. destinations.
• U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals who have been present in Uganda or South Sudan (and not present in DRC) within 21 days of arrival in the United States must only enter through designated airports for enhanced screening.

Given the dynamic situation and evolving restrictions due to the Ebola outbreak, travelers should review the latest on the CDC website before finalizing any travel plans.

Background

The CDC initially issued a public health entry ban order in May 2026, citing the recent Ebola outbreak in Africa. The initial ban did not apply to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or U.S. lawful permanent residents, among others.  The ban has been continually extended and expanded (now including LPRs and some U.S. citizens and nationals) and is now set to expire on October 11 based on this latest order.