Ebola Outbreak: Travel Ban, Flight Suspensions, To Airport; Key Restrictions Imposed By Countries

The latest Ebola virus outbreak has raised alarm across the countries and has even forced many to impose travel restrictions, airport screening for international travellers, and even flight suspensions. As the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus spreads across parts of Africa, countries on multiple continents are tightening preventive measures to curb its wider transmission.

The Ebola virus strain outbreak was first reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Kinshasha declared the outbreak on May 15. In Uganda, five cases and one death have been confirmed, reported Al Jazeera.

WHO Raises Concern

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently raised alarm over the virus and raised the risk level of the virus for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, WHO kept the the global risk due to the virus as low.

Countries Impose Restrictions

To restrict the wider spread of the virus, several countries have imposed travel restrictions, international travel ban to certain countries, and mandated airport screening and even quarantine.

A number of governments outside Africa have moved quickly in response to the Ebola outbreak. Canada and Bahamas have temporarily barred residents of the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan. As per Canadian authorities, people from these African countries cannot travel to Canada for three months from Wednesday. The Bahamas has also imposed 30-day restriction.

Canada has also imposed strict quarantine restrictions for its citizens who are travelling from African countries affected by the virus outbreak.

Anyone who has been in the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan in recent weeks must isolate for 21 days from May 30, even if no symptoms appear. Officials say these steps aim to catch any potential Ebola infection during the incubation period.

US Tightens Access During Ebola Outbreak

THe United States has also tightened restrictions to prevent Ebola outbreak. Authorities blocked all non-citizens who had travelled to the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan in the previous 21 days.

Due to the precautionary travel restrictions, US citizens who have visited the affected areas states must now arrive only through selected airports. The designated airports are Washington Dulles International Airport for flights to the country departing after May 21, 2026; Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport for flights after May 22; and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston for flights leaving after May 26.

Travel Restrictions By Other Countries

Other governments have also introduced barriers linked to the Ebola outbreak. Jordan suspended the entry of people arriving from the DRC and Uganda on May 19, according to the state news agency. The same day, Bahrain halted entry for foreign travellers coming from South Sudan, the DRC and Uganda for 30 days. Authorities in Canada, the Bahamas, the US, Jordan and Bahrain all say no Ebola cases have been recorded in their territories so far.

India Steps Up Defences Against Ebola Outbreak

India has also taken certain precautionary measures and has issued advisory to curb the outbreak of Ebola virus. The central government officials have installed extra health checks at major international airports. The central government has also issued travel advisories urging Indian citizens to avoid journeys to the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan. In addition, India has postponed an India‑Africa summit planned for this week, and cancelled a scheduled meeting of the International Big Cat Alliance.