U.S. Extends Ebola-Related Entry Ban Through Aug. 12

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has extended a temporary entry ban through Aug. 12 covering foreign nationals who have been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan during the previous 21 days, citing the continuing Ebola outbreak in the region.

The order, issued July 13 and set to be published for federal notice on July 16, applies regardless of a traveler’s country of origin and remains in effect until 4:59 p.m. EDT on Aug. 12, unless the CDC changes it sooner. It does not apply to U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals, and the document says other narrow exceptions remain available for some military, government, and individually approved cases.

In the order, the CDC said the outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola remains centered in eastern Congo but has continued to intensify, with cases reported in multiple provinces and more than doubling since the previous order. The agency said Congo reported 1,873 confirmed cases and 672 deaths as of July 12, while Uganda had reported 20 confirmed cases, two confirmed deaths, one probable case, and one probable death.

The CDC also said South Sudan has not reported any confirmed cases but remains at risk because of its border with affected areas and cross-border movement. The agency said the 21-day incubation period means infected travelers may not show symptoms before moving through international transit hubs and potentially reaching the United States.

The CDC said it continued the restriction after reviewing public comments and finding no reason to change the policy. The order says limiting arrivals from affected areas reduces the number of higher-risk travelers needing monitoring and helps public health officials focus resources on returning U.S. citizens and nationals.

The document also notes that the CDC is accepting comments under docket CDC-2026-0892 and that written submissions must be filed through regulations.gov or by mail, not email.