The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has extended Ebola-related U.S. entry restrictions through Dec. 10 for most foreign nationals, including green card holders, who have been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda or South Sudan in the preceding 21 days. The Federal Register notice, published Friday, Nov. 13, says the new order took effect Nov. 10 and carries forward the previous restrictions. The extension keeps those rules in place through Thanksgiving.
Who should check their itinerary
The signed CDC order applies based on where a traveler has been, regardless of the passport they hold. An airport connection in one of the three countries counts, even if the traveler stays on the plane. The CDC says most people subject to the restriction should plan to travel to the United States beginning on day 22 after leaving the affected country. The order provides for limited exceptions.
U.S. citizens and nationals have separate requirements. If their recent travel included Uganda or South Sudan and they have not been in Congo during that period, CDC traveler guidance directs them to enter through Atlanta, New York’s JFK or Washington Dulles for health screening. Recent presence in Congo is subject to a separate boarding restriction that also applies to U.S. citizens and nationals.
The flight declaration requirement remains in effect under a separate order. It requires passengers boarding an international flight to the U.S. to confirm they have not been in Congo in the previous 21 days. The declaration applies even when their flight departs from another country. If your itinerary includes an affected country, check the CDC’s current traveler guidance before changing or booking your ticket.
