The United States government has introduced stricter travel controls to prevent the Ebola virus from entering the country.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

In a notice on Thursday, May 21, the Department of State directed all U.S.-bound American citizens and lawful permanent residents who have recently been in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan to enter the country only through Washington Dulles International Airport for enhanced health screening.

The measures took effect immediately from Thursday, May 21, amid growing international concern over the Ebola outbreak in Central and East Africa.

Under the directive, all travelers who have been present in the three countries within 21 days of arrival in the United States must undergo enhanced public health screening at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).

📌 What You Need to Know

"As of May 21, 2026, all U.S.-bound American citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) who have been present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan within 21 days of arrival in the United States must only enter through Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) for enhanced screening," read part of the notice.

"The Dulles requirement applies to all passengers, including U.S. citizens and LPRs, who were present in those countries," it added.

The new restrictions now make Dulles the single gateway for affected travellers entering the United States from the three East African countries, creating immediate effects for airlines, routing systems, and international passengers.

Travellers, including Kenya-U.S residents,  have been warned to prepare for flight changes, delays or cancellations as airlines are expected to adjust schedules so as to comply with the new guidelines.

The measures come as the World Health Organisation intensify efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak affecting parts of Central and East Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, with fears that it may spread to other countries, including Kenya.

To help contain the situation, WHO has already dispatched over 11 tonnes of critical medical supplies from its Nairobi hub to support the DRC.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke