Ebola-Related U.S. Entry Restrictions: Important Update for International Travelers And Employers

For at least the next 30 days, foreign nationals may be denied entry into the United States if they have traveled to, departed from, or otherwise been physically present in any of the following countries within the previous 21 days:

• Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
• Uganda
• South Sudan

Importantly, the restriction applies regardless of the individual’s nationality, country of residence, or visa classification. Even travelers who only transited through one of these countries may face additional scrutiny or restrictions.

Who could be impacted by the ebola restrictions?

The order may affect a wide range of travelers, including:

• employees traveling for business purposes
• executives and multinational staff
• investors and entrepreneurs
• students and exchange visitors
• humanitarian workers
• NGO personnel
• contractors
• family members of U.S. visa holders
• individuals returning to the U.S. after regional travel

Foreign nationals currently outside the United States who have recently visited one of the listed countries should carefully assess their ability to return to the U.S. before making travel arrangements.

Likewise, individuals already in the United States should exercise caution before traveling internationally if their itinerary includes affected regions.

Important exceptions to the U.S. ebola order

While the restrictions are broad, the CDC order contains several notable exemptions.

U.S. Citizens and Green Card Holders

The entry suspension does not apply to:

• U.S. citizens,
• U.S. nationals, or
• lawful permanent residents (green card holders).

These individuals may continue to enter the United States, although additional health screenings or monitoring measures could still apply.

U.S. Military and Government Personnel

The order also exempts:

• members of the U.S. armed forces,
• associated personnel,
• U.S. government employees stationed overseas, and
• qualifying spouses and children.

Humanitarian and Public Interest Exceptions

In certain circumstances, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers may permit entry based on humanitarian or public interest considerations.

The order specifically allows exceptions where warranted due to:

• significant humanitarian concerns,
• public health considerations,
• law enforcement interests, or
• officer and public safety concerns.

Such determinations are made on a case-by-case basis and require supervisory approval in coordination with the CDC.

DHS-Approved Processes

The order also provides flexibility for certain travelers who are entering under a Department of Homeland Security (DHS)-approved process that includes appropriate mitigation protocols consistent with CDC guidance. This may become particularly relevant for certain emergency travel situations or government-authorized programs.

Practical considerations for employers

Employers with globally mobile workforces should immediately review whether any employees or contractors have recently traveled to Uganda, the DRC, or South Sudan.

Companies may wish to evaluate:

• upcoming international assignments,
• employee travel schedules,
• visa validity and reentry risks,
• remote work contingencies,
• operational disruptions, and
• alternative travel routing options.

Businesses should also consider the possibility of sudden changes to government guidance, flight availability, or quarantine requirements as the situation develops.

Immigration and travel risks

Foreign nationals impacted by the order could face several immigration-related complications, including:

• denial of boarding by airlines,
• refusal of admission at the U.S. border,
• extended secondary inspection,
• visa issuance delays,
• interruptions to work authorization, or
• difficulties attending U.S. consular appointments.

Because the order was issued under public health authority, implementation may evolve rapidly depending on the progression of the Ebola outbreak and future CDC guidance.