US Embassy’s worldwide notify: The United States government has activated strict public health arrival restrictions for all travelers coming from three East African nations. Anyone heading to America who has been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan within the past 21 days must now enter exclusively through Washington Dulles International Airport. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced this measure on May 21, 2026.
This directive applies to all passengers without exception. Even American citizens and lawful permanent residents face the mandatory rerouting. Officials from the CDC and the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection will conduct the screenings at Dulles. The policy directly responds to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the region.
Enhanced Screening Protocols Take Effect Immediately
The requirement forces airlines to reroute affected flights. Travelers should expect potential flight changes or outright cancellations. The CDC confirmed that Dulles has the specialized facilities needed for this operation. Public health officers will check temperatures and assess symptoms upon arrival.
Customs officials will also review travel histories for every passenger. The enhanced screening includes detailed questionnaires about possible exposure. Anyone showing symptoms will be isolated immediately. The process aims to prevent any spread of the virus within the United States.
“This is a necessary step to protect public health across the entire country,” said a senior CDC official during the announcement. “We are focusing all screening resources at a single point of entry to ensure consistency and thoroughness.” [Translated from Spanish]
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported the highest number of cases in the current outbreak. Uganda and South Sudan share borders with the affected zones. Health authorities in those nations are struggling to contain the spread.
What Travelers Must Do Now
Anyone currently in these three countries should contact their airline immediately. Passengers need to confirm whether their existing tickets can be rebooked through Dulles. The U.S. Embassy advises travelers to carry multiple copies of their travel itineraries. Documentation proving vaccination status may also help speed up the screening process.
This policy could expand to other airports if the outbreak worsens. The CDC continues monitoring the situation daily. Travelers should check official government websites for updates before departure. The Mission Panama health alert system remains active for American citizens abroad. No timeline has been given for lifting these restrictions.