CDC Extends Entry Suspension Due to Ebola Risk in Central Africa

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has continued a suspension on entry for individuals who have recently been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda, or South Sudan. This measure is in response to the risk posed by Ebola disease associated with the Bundibugyo virus. The renewed order, which took effect on November 10, 2026, is set to remain in place until December 10, 2026, unless altered or canceled by the agency. This restriction applies to most travelers, including U.S. lawful permanent residents, though certain exceptions are in place.

The CDC’s decision targets individuals who have departed from or were present in these three countries within the preceding 21 days. This applies regardless of the traveler’s country of origin. The agency has linked the disease risk to outbreaks in the DRC and recent activity in Uganda, with South Sudan also included in the affected geographic area. The order specifically addresses Ebola disease, not all diseases that could fall under federal quarantine laws. Physical presence includes transit and longer stays. The CDC has determined that individual screening is not a sufficient substitute for this broad restriction at this time.

Understanding the Entry Suspension

The current order is based on sections 362 and 365 of the Public Health Service Act. These laws allow the CDC director to temporarily suspend the entry of people from a foreign country if a serious quarantinable communicable disease poses a significant risk of introduction into the United States. The limited duration of the order allows the CDC to monitor the situation, assess changes in the risk of importation, and develop plans for mitigation and containment. This extension follows previous continuations of the entry suspension.

Who is Affected by the Suspension?

The entry suspension applies to individuals who have been physically present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan within the 21 days prior to their arrival in the United States. This includes travelers who may have only transited through these countries. The CDC has stated that individualized screening is not currently a practical alternative to this broad measure for managing the risk of disease introduction.

Exceptions to the Entry Suspension

While the entry suspension is broad, the CDC has outlined several categories of individuals who may qualify for an exception. These exceptions are carefully managed and depend on the traveler’s role and the necessary public health safeguards.

Service-Related Exceptions

Certain members of the U.S. armed forces, along with their associated personnel and family members, may be granted an exception if they can provide assurances about steps taken to control transmission risk. Similarly, U.S. government employees or contractors on official overseas orders, and their qualifying family members, can be excepted if their relevant agency head provides assurances regarding measures such as quarantine or isolation.

Discretionary and Provisional Exceptions

Customs officers have the authority to grant exceptions with supervisory approval, based on a review of all the circumstances. Additionally, a provisional exception may be granted by the CDC, which would require confirmation through a public health assessment upon entry, following a process approved by the Department of Homeland Security. The CDC also has the ability to tailor exceptions as needed. Travelers seeking an exception should review the full provisions of the current order, as the conditions can vary depending on the specific pathway for exception.

Public Comment Period

The CDC is accepting written comments on this order. Interested parties can submit their feedback through Regulations.gov or by mail, referencing docket CDC-2026-0892. Comments should be sent to the agency and are not accepted via email. The CDC notes that comments and any attached materials may be made public, including any identifying information provided by the commenter. The deadline for submitting comments is November 30, 2026.

Travelers planning international trips should stay informed about any changes to this order before their scheduled travel dates. This article provides general information and is not a substitute for legal advice. Consulting with a qualified immigration attorney is recommended for specific case guidance.

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