CDC Temporarily Restricts Entry for Some Travelers from Three African Countries

The order took effect May 18, 2026, and is set to last 30 days while the agency completes a public health risk assessment. U.S. citizens, nationals, and lawful permanent residents may still enter the country but will undergo enhanced screening. Travelers permitted to enter will have their flights re-routed to Washington-Dulles International Airport beginning May 20, 2026, at 11:59 PM.

Screening includes a questionnaire about travel history and symptoms, temperature checks with non-contact thermometers, and observation by CDC staff. Travelers without symptoms will receive information about monitoring their health for 21 days after leaving the affected countries.

Travelers who develop symptoms during screening will receive additional evaluation by a CDC public health officer and may be transferred to a hospital for further assessment and isolation.

The CDC will use automated text messages to remind arriving travelers to monitor for symptoms and to contact public health authorities if needed. Contact information will also be shared with state and local health departments for follow-up. There are currently no suspected, probable, or confirmed Ebola cases in the United States, and the risk to the American public remains low.

The measures are part of a layered public health strategy that includes exit screening overseas and airline illness reporting.