The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has extended its order suspending the introduction of certain travelers who have recently been present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda, or South Sudan. The new order took effect on October 11, 2026, and remains in place through November 10, 2026, unless modified or rescinded earlier.
Restrictions Remain in Place
The order continues to apply to certain non-U.S. persons who have:
- Departed from, or
- Been physically present in
the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan within the previous 21 days, regardless of nationality.
The CDC stated that the restrictions remain necessary because of the continued risk of importing Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus into the United States.
Ebola Outbreak Continues to Expand
According to the CDC, the outbreak in the DRC has worsened significantly since the agency’s previous extension.
As of October 5, 2026:
- More than 8,665 confirmed Ebola cases had been reported.
- More than 4,178 deaths had been recorded.
- Cases had spread across 64 health zones in the DRC.
- The outbreak is now described as the largest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s history and the second-largest Ebola outbreak ever recorded globally.
The CDC also noted that contact tracing levels have fallen below thresholds considered necessary for effective outbreak containment.
Regional Risk Remains High
Although Uganda officially completed its WHO-recommended 42-day post-outbreak monitoring period in August and has not reported new domestic transmission, the CDC concluded that continued travel between the DRC and neighboring countries presents an ongoing risk.
The agency also highlighted:
- A recently confirmed Ebola case in Kenya linked to travel through the region.
- Continued concerns regarding South Sudan because of cross-border movement and limited healthcare infrastructure.
- The possibility that infected travelers could move internationally during Ebola’s 21-day incubation period before symptoms become apparent.
CDC Rejects Calls to Narrow the Restrictions
During the comment period on the previous order, CDC received requests to:
- Exempt certain travelers based on individual exposure histories.
- Reduce restrictions for Uganda.
- Rely on screening and monitoring instead of travel restrictions.
- Exclude certain categories of travelers.
The CDC declined to make changes, stating that individualized assessments would be difficult to implement given operational realities and public health resource constraints. The agency concluded that the current country-based approach remains the most effective and practical measure.
Who Remains Exempt?
As with previous orders, the restrictions do not apply to:
- U.S. citizens;
- U.S. nationals;
- Certain U.S. military and government personnel;
- Certain humanitarian, law enforcement, and public health exceptions approved by DHS and CDC; and
- Other limited categories specifically authorized under the order.
Previous Airport Restrictions Still Apply
The CDC order works alongside DHS travel measures that direct affected travelers through designated U.S. airports where enhanced public health screening and monitoring resources are concentrated.
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.