Information for Travelers Returning from Ebola-Affected Areas | Ebola

Background

To reduce the risk of Ebola importation into the United States, every air passenger boarding an international flight into or connecting through the United States must attest (sign a statement) that they have not been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during the 21 days before their flight leaves for the U.S.

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.

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.

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.