United States | CDC extends Ebola entry restrictions; CBP updates approved ports of entry

In response the Ebola outbreak in certain African countries, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Federal Register Notice (FRN) extending the current entry ban through July 21, 2026, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) updated its list of designated arrival ports of entry for affected travelers.

Key takeaways:

Entry ban extended for individuals recently present in affected countries. The CDC also published information on its website about the continued suspension of entry for certain individuals who have been present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda or South Sudan within the previous 21 days. The extension took effect June 21, 2026, and remains in place through July 21, 2026, unless modified.

CBP updates designated ports of entry for screening. In coordinated response with the Department of Homeland Security and the CDC, CBP has maintained and expanded arrival restrictions requiring that flights carrying travelers with recent presence in the affected countries arrive only at designated U.S. airports where enhanced public health screening can be conducted. These airports include:

• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Travelers subject to the order. According to the FRN, “This Order applies to persons who have departed from, or were otherwise present within, DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan during the last 21 days (regardless of their country of origin), including lawful permanent residents of the United States.” Exceptions to the order include U.S. citizens and nationals and members of the U.S. armed forces.

Additional information: The coordinated interagency response to the Ebola outbreak was first announced in May. The CDC determined that the ongoing Ebola outbreak continues to pose a serious risk of introduction into the United States, warranting continued entry restrictions and coordinated border health measures. The CDC guidance for returning travelers emphasizes monitoring during the 21-day incubation period, including symptom tracking and engagement with public health authorities where applicable. Visa operations in these countries remain paused.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group.

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