CDC Ebola-Related Travel and Entry Restrictions

On May 22, 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an amended temporary order suspending entry into the United States for certain non-U.S. persons who have departed from, or were physically present in, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan within the previous 21 days. The order is related to the ongoing Ebola outbreak involving the Bundibugyo virus strain and is currently in effect for 30 days.

According to federal guidance, the restriction does not apply to U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals.

Certain exemptions may also apply for:

• Lawful permanent residents
• U.S. government personnel
• Military personnel
• Humanitarian cases
• Individuals approved through DHS processes aligned with CDC mitigation protocols

Students, scholars, employees, and family members who may recently have traveled from or through the affected countries should be aware that these public health measures could result in travel delays, entry restrictions, or changes to visa and travel processing.

ISSS encourages Penn international students and scholars to monitor official federal guidance closely and consult with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate regarding country-specific travel or visa questions.

Additional information is available through the following federal resources:

• CDC Ebola Travel Guidance
• U.S. Department of State Travel Information
• CDC Order: Suspending the Right to Introduce Certain Persons from Countries Where a Quarantinable Communicable Disease Exists

ISSS will continue to monitor developments and share updates as additional federal guidance becomes available.