United States | Ebola outbreak update for October: CDC extends entry ban for additional 30 days

On Oct. 9, 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an order that extended for an additional 30 days the suspension of entry for certain foreign nationals who were recently present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda or South Sudan. The order remains in effect due to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in DRC and concerns about continued regional transmission risks.

The extension applies to certain individuals who were present in DRC, Uganda or South Sudan within the previous 21 days, regardless of nationality. U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals are exempt from the entry suspension.

On Oct. 22, the CDC announced on its website, “After November 3, 2026, at 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time, all passengers boarding an international flight to the United States, regardless of location of embarkation, must attest (sign a statement) that they have not been present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during the 21 days before their flight leaves for the United States.”

The CDC continues to provide guidance for travelers returning from affected countries, including monitoring requirements and public health recommendations. Review the CDC’s latest guidance for returning travelers here.

Additional information: The Oct. 9 order extends the entry suspension for 30 days while the CDC continues its public health risk assessment of the Ebola outbreak. The CDC first issued the suspension on May 18, 2026, amended it on May 22 and last renewed the order on Sept. 11, 2026.

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

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