In a further update to Ebola-related travel restrictions, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has extended its order suspending the entry of certain travelers who have recently been present in affected countries. The new order took effect on November 10, 2026, and remains in effect through December 10, 2026, unless modified or rescinded earlier.
Restrictions Remain Unchanged
The CDC confirmed that the current restrictions continue to apply to certain covered individuals who have:
- Departed from; or
- Been physically present in
the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda, or South Sudan within the previous 21 days.
The agency stated that the extension is necessary because the Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus continues to present a serious risk of introduction into the United States.
Outbreak Continues to Worsen
CDC reported that the outbreak in the DRC has continued to expand since the prior extension.
As of November 6, 2026:
- More than 10,879 confirmed Ebola cases have been reported.
- More than 5,302 deaths have been recorded.
- Cases have spread across 67 health zones in the DRC.
CDC now describes the outbreak as:
- The largest Ebola outbreak in DRC history; and
- The second-largest Ebola outbreak ever recorded worldwide.
New Regional Developments
The agency noted several developments since its previous order:
- Uganda successfully completed its 42-day post-outbreak monitoring period and has contained domestic transmission, but remains included because of ongoing cross-border travel from the DRC.
- Kenya reported its first imported Bundibugyo virus case and death in October 2026.
- Nigeria reported an imported Ebola case in a traveler arriving from Uganda.
- South Sudan remains free of confirmed cases but continues to be considered high risk due to extensive cross-border movement and limited healthcare infrastructure.
CDC Continues Existing Risk Assessment Approach
The CDC received additional public comments requesting more individualized traveler risk assessments and reconsideration of restrictions for Uganda.
The agency declined to modify the framework, stating that:
- Individualized assessments would be difficult to operationalize;
- Current public health resources are finite;
- A country-based approach remains the most practical and protective measure; and
- The situation continues to require aggressive prevention efforts.
Exemptions Remain in Place
The order continues to exempt:
- U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals;
- Certain U.S. military personnel and government employees;
- Certain humanitarian, public health, law enforcement, and national-interest exceptions; and
- Other individuals approved under CDC and DHS exception procedures.
Additional Travel Controls Remain Active
The CDC also referenced its recently implemented traveler attestation requirements and DHS airport arrival restrictions, which continue to operate alongside the entry suspension framework as part of the government’s broader Ebola response strategy.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news becomes available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.