United States | DHS adds two more designated airports for arrivals from the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan

The Department of Homeland Security updated the list of designated airports for arrivals from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda and South Sudan, adding Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in Atlanta and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston.

Key takeaways:

Arrival restrictions are in response to Ebola outbreak. As BAL previously reported, DHS published arrival restrictions in the Federal Register on May 21, 2026, requiring all flights “carrying persons who have recently traveled from, or were otherwise present within, the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan only land at the following airport: Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD), Virginia.”

Modified list of designated airports includes ATL and IAH. The addition of ATL as a designated airport is effective for flights departing after 11:59 p.m. EDT on May 22, 2026. The addition of IAH as a designated airport is effective for flights departing after 11:59 p.m. EDT on May 26, 2026.

CDC introduces emergency rule in response to Ebola outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an interim rule, effective May 22, 2026, enabling the Secretary of Health and Human Services to include lawful permanent residents in the temporary suspension of entry of individuals from designated countries or places in the interest of public health. The rule continues to exempt U.S. citizens and nationals.

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

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