The World Health Organization has issued an emergency declaration for an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, with the WHO Director-General publicly raising concern about "the scale and speed" of the spread. As of late May 2026, more than 500 cases have been reported across the affected countries, with at least 134 deaths.
The outbreak has triggered a cross-border response from the United States, the United Kingdom, and other governments. For travellers, the immediate practical implications fall into three categories: travel advisories, entry restrictions, and airport screening.
If your itinerary touches DRC, Uganda or South Sudan within the past 21 days, you will be screened on entry to the United States and may face restrictions on travel.
The countries affected
Three countries are currently named in international travel advisories:
- Democratic Republic of Congo: CDC Level 3 Travel Health Notice issued 18 May 2026. US Department of State Level 4 advisory (Do Not Travel).
- Uganda: CDC Level 1 advisory (Practice Usual Precautions, with heightened monitoring). US State Department Level 4 advisory (Do Not Travel).
- South Sudan: US State Department Level 4 advisory (Do Not Travel).
American citizens and permanent residents are being advised not to travel to any of these three countries for any reason.
United States entry restrictions
The CDC, Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies have implemented enhanced screening at major US ports of entry. The key rule for travellers:
Non-US passport holders who have been in DRC, Uganda or South Sudan in the previous 21 days face entry restrictions and screening procedures at US airports. This applies regardless of nationality. Travellers in this category should expect delays at the border and should consult the US embassy or consulate before booking onward travel.
One confirmed Ebola case in an American traveller has been reported during the outbreak, which triggered the immediate expansion of airport screening across multiple US gateways.
What this means for travellers on routes through Africa
For long-haul travellers, the practical concerns are layovers and connections.
Direct flights: Most major carriers are continuing operations to and from Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Johannesburg, and other regional hubs. There are no widespread service suspensions to East Africa as a region.
Layovers through affected countries: Travellers transiting Entebbe (Uganda), Kinshasa (DRC), or Juba (South Sudan) should consult their airline directly. A layover within the 21-day window before US arrival may itself be enough to trigger screening or restriction.
Travel insurance: Standard policies typically exclude travel to destinations under a Level 4 government advisory issued before the booking date. If you are booking now for travel to East Africa, check the wording carefully.
What it means for travellers heading to the Maldives
The Maldives has not implemented Ebola-specific entry screening as of late May. Most Maldives-bound travellers transit through hubs in the Gulf (Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi), Singapore, or Colombo, none of which are in the affected region.
Travellers using African long-haul routings to the Maldives (Johannesburg, Nairobi or Addis Ababa connections) should follow the same precaution as any African transit: avoid layovers in DRC, Uganda or South Sudan, and check the latest WHO situation report before departure. Maldivian authorities are monitoring the situation but have not announced any change to entry requirements at Velana International Airport.
Practical checklist for the next 30 days
- Check the US State Department travel advisories for your destination and any transit countries before booking.
- If your itinerary includes a layover in DRC, Uganda or South Sudan, contact your airline to discuss alternatives.
- If you are travelling to the United States and have been in any of the three countries within the previous 21 days, prepare for screening at the border.
- Review your travel insurance policy for advisory-related exclusions before paying for new bookings.
- Monitor the WHO and CDC websites for updates. The situation is described as fast-moving.
This article is a situational update for travellers. It is not medical advice. For health-related concerns, consult a qualified medical practitioner or your national public health authority.
