The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a new order extending Ebola-related travel restrictions first implemented earlier this year. The updated order, signed on August 12, 2026, continues the suspension of entry for certain individuals who have recently been present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda, or South Sudan. The order remains in effect through September 11, 2026, unless modified or rescinded earlier.
CDC Continues Restrictions Due to Expanding Ebola Outbreak
According to CDC and HHS, the restrictions remain necessary because of the ongoing outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the DRC and the continuing risk of international spread. The agency stated that cases and fatalities have increased significantly since the July extension order.
As of August 2026:
- The DRC has reported more than 4,300 confirmed cases and more than 2,000 deaths.
- Uganda has reported imported and secondary cases linked to the DRC outbreak.
- South Sudan has not reported confirmed cases but is considered at high risk because of cross-border movement and healthcare system limitations.
CDC has elevated its response to the highest level of its emergency response framework and continues to warn that the outbreak remains a significant international public health risk.
Who Is Affected?
The order applies to covered aliens who:
- Departed from, or
- Were otherwise physically present in
the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan during the previous 21 days, regardless of nationality.
The restrictions continue to suspend the right of certain non-U.S. persons to enter the United States from those countries while CDC conducts ongoing public health assessments.
Who Is Exempt?
The CDC order does not apply to:
- U.S. citizens;
- U.S. nationals;
- Certain U.S. government personnel and military personnel;
- Certain family members covered by specific government assurances; and
- Other individuals approved through limited public health, humanitarian, law enforcement, or national interest exceptions.
Why CDC Says the Restrictions Remain Necessary
CDC cites several concerns supporting continued restrictions:
- The outbreak remains active and continues to expand geographically within the DRC.
- Contact tracing efforts have not yet reached levels considered necessary for effective outbreak control.
- The disease has an incubation period of up to 21 days, allowing infected travelers to travel internationally before symptoms appear.
- Existing international flight networks provide direct and indirect routes from affected regions to major U.S. airports.
The agency specifically referenced a recent case involving an infected physician who traveled internationally before becoming symptomatic, demonstrating the risk of cross-border transmission.
Travel Health Advisories Remain Elevated
CDC continues to maintain heightened travel advisories for affected areas, including:
- Level 4: Avoid All Travel for certain provinces within the DRC.
- Level 3: Reconsider Non-Essential Travel for additional outbreak regions.
- Level 2: Practice Enhanced Precautions for the remainder of the DRC and Uganda.
Impact
Employers with personnel traveling to or from Central and East Africa should:
- Review travel plans involving the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan.
- Monitor CDC, DHS, and State Department guidance.
- Anticipate possible entry restrictions, screening measures, and travel disruptions.
- Ensure employees understand current public health requirements before international travel.
Foreign nationals who have recently been present in affected countries should carefully assess how the restrictions may affect planned travel to the United States.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is 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.