Background
To reduce the risk of Ebola importation into the United States, all people boarding an international flight into or connecting through the United States must attest (sign a statement) that they have not been present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in the 21 days prior to boarding the flight to the United States.
Travelers, including U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals, who have been in DRC within 21 days before their flight will not be allowed to board flights with U.S. destinations and should plan to remain outside the United States for at least 21 days after they leave DRC. This includes all passengers transiting through DRC on a connecting flight regardless of whether they disembark or stay on the airplane.
Additionally, non-U.S. citizens/non-U.S. nationals, including U.S. lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), who have been in South Sudan or Uganda within the 21 days before departure will not be allowed to enter the United States and should plan to remain outside the United States for at least 21 days after they leave South Sudan or Uganda. U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals who have been present in South Sudan or Uganda (and not present in DRC) within 21 days before arrival in the United States must only enter through designated U.S. airports and will undergo public health screening. These travel restrictions and rerouting apply, regardless of whether a passenger disembarks or stays on an airplane during a connection in South Sudan or Uganda.
Related CDC Orders
Before travel to the U.S.
Travel from DRC
The United States has temporary travel restrictions for people, including U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals, who have recently been in DRC.
If you have been in DRC during the previous 21 days:
- You will not be permitted to board a flight to the United States until 21 days after you leave DRC. This applies even if you were on an airplane that stopped at an airport in DRC regardless of whether you disembarked or stayed on the airplane.
- You should plan to remain outside the United States until at least 21 days after you leave DRC.
IMPORTANT
Travelers who have been in outbreak provinces in the DRC may have specific travel requirements from local DRC authorities. Always check entry requirements of any country you plan to visit during the 21 days after you leave DRC.
Use this graphic as a reference for when you can return to the United States.
Travel from South Sudan or Uganda
The United States also has temporary travel restrictions for certain travelers who have recently been in South Sudan or Uganda. Specifically, non-U.S. citizens and non-U.S. nationals, including U.S. lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), will not be allowed to enter the United States until 21 days after they leave South Sudan or Uganda and should plan to remain outside the United States until at least 21 days after they leave South Sudan or Uganda. This restriction applies even if they were on an airplane that stopped at an airport in South Sudan or Uganda regardless of whether they disembarked or stayed on the airplane.
During these 21 days, U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals who have been in South Sudan or Uganda are permitted to enter the United States at designated U.S. airports.
For travelers who are permitted to enter the United States:
- Your travel will be rerouted to a designated U.S. airport for public health screening.
- This requirement applies even if you were on an airplane that stopped at an airport in South Sudan or Uganda regardless of whether you disembarked or stayed on the airplane.
- Your airline should be able to work with you to rebook your flights, if needed.
After Arrival in the U.S.
U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals who have been in South Sudan or Uganda in the past 21 days and are arriving in the U.S. will have their travel redirected to one of the following U.S. airports to undergo public health screening:
- Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD) outside Washington, D.C.
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in Atlanta, Georgia
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York, New York
During entry screening, you will:
- Be escorted to a screening area
- Complete a brief questionnaire about travel history and symptoms, if any
- Have your temperature checked
- Be observed for signs of illness by CDC staff
- Be enrolled in automated text messages from CDC to remind you to monitor your health for 21 days after you left DRC, South Sudan, or Uganda.
Some travelers will have an additional public health assessment based on their area of travel and activities while in DRC, South Sudan, or Uganda. CDC will also share travelers’ contact information with state or local public health authorities, as needed, for follow-up and support.
If you do not have symptoms
You will receive information about monitoring your health for 21 days after leaving the affected country. Most travelers without symptoms will continue to their destination after public health screening.
If you have symptoms
If you have a fever or other symptoms consistent with Ebola, a CDC public health medical officer will conduct an additional evaluation. If Ebola is suspected, you will be transferred to a hospital for medical evaluation, isolation, and care.
Steps to take after travel
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Monitor your health
Monitor your health for 21 days after you leave DRC*, South Sudan, or Uganda. After you arrive in the United States, CDC will send you automated text messages reminding you to watch for symptoms and to take action if you get sick.
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Take your temperature
If you were in DRC*, take your temperature every day and again if you feel sick. If you were in South Sudan or Uganda, take your temperature if you feel sick.
*For people who have been granted an exception to travel to the United States.
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Watch for symptoms
Watch for possible symptoms of Ebola such as fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher) or feeling feverish, headache or body aches, rash, weakness or tiredness, sore throat, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, or unexplained bleeding or bruising (a late stage of illness).
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Follow any additional instructions from your health department
What to do if you get sick
If you develop any signs or symptoms that might be Ebola:
- Separate yourself from others (isolate). Stay in a room by yourself and, to the greatest extent possible, don’t share a bathroom with others.
- Call your local health department (if you are in the United States) or health officials where you are located for advice about medical care. Tell the health department about your recent travel from a country with risk of Ebola and your symptoms. They can identify the best healthcare facility for you to go to, if needed. Health department staff can also help the facility prepare to provide care for you and take any health precautions needed. Follow all their instructions.
- Do not travel while sick. Travel only when you have been cleared by a doctor or health official.
If you need urgent medical care and you can’t reach your health department right away
Call a healthcare provider. If you can’t reach a healthcare provider, call 911. Tell them your symptoms and that you were recently in a country with risk of Ebola. Calling ahead before going to a healthcare facility helps the facility prepare for your arrival, including contacting the health department and taking any precautions needed.
