United States | DHS removes Houston airport from Ebola-related designated airport list

The Department of Homeland Security announced on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website that it has removed George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston from the list of designated airports for Ebola-related arrival restrictions.

Key takeaways:

IAH designation removal effective Aug. 31. IAH is no longer a designated airport for travelers subject to the Ebola-related arrival restrictions, effective for flights departing after 11:59 p.m. EDT on Aug. 31, 2026.

Three designated airports remain. Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) remain active locations where enhanced public health screening and related measures will continue.

Underlying restrictions remain in effect. As of Sept. 1, 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website states, “Travelers, including U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals, who have been in [Democratic Republic of the Congo] DRC within 21 days before departure will not be allowed to board commercial flights with U.S. destinations. These travelers should plan to remain outside the United States for at least 21 days after they leave DRC.” U.S. citizens and nationals present in Uganda or South Sudan (but not DRC) within 21 days of U.S. arrival will be routed through designated U.S. airports.

Additional information: The CDC issued the initial entry ban order on May 18, 2026, amended it on May 22, and last renewed the order on Aug. 12, 2026.

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

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