The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a temporary public health order suspending the entry of non-U.S. citizens who have recently been present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda, or South Sudan due to an ongoing Ebola outbreak.
Who Is Affected
Effective May 18, 2026, the CDC order applies to non-U.S. citizens who:
- Were physically present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda, or South Sudan within the 21 days before seeking entry to the United States, regardless of nationality; and
- Seek to enter the United States during the 30-day validity period of the order.
The order is currently scheduled to remain in effect for 30 days while the CDC will consider whether continued restrictions are necessary.
Who Is Exempt
The order does not apply to:
- U.S. citizens
- U.S. lawful permanent residents (green card holders)
- Individuals granted case-by-case exceptions by U.S. authorities for humanitarian, law enforcement, public safety, or public health reasons
- Individuals entering through specific DHS-approved processes with mitigation protocols in place
Important Considerations for International Students and Scholars
While the order remains in effect, students, scholars, employees, and visitors in F, J, H, O, TN, B, or other nonimmigrant statuses who are currently present or who have recently traveled to or transited through DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan may be denied boarding or refused entry into the United States until at least 21 days have passed since their departure from those countries.
Additional Considerations
- The restriction is based on physical presence (i.e., departed from or were otherwise present within) in one of the three countries during the last 21 days from the date you seek to enter the U.S. It is not based on your citizenship or nationality.
- Transit travel may also be relevant if it involves entry into one of the affected countries.
- You may expect enhanced health screening and additional questioning regarding travel history.
- Airlines may independently deny boarding based on CDC guidance or operational requirements.
If you are planning international travel, you should:
- Avoid nonessential travel to DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan at this time.
- Carefully review your itineraries and transit routes before booking travel.
- Consult with your airline before departure if you have recently been in one of the affected countries.
- Carry documentation (boarding passes, entry and exit stamps in your passport, etc.) showing your date of departure from affected regions if applicable.
- Contact your designated OISS adviser before international travel if you believe this order may affect your return to the United States.
OISS will continue monitoring federal guidance and provide updates as additional information becomes available.
