Ebola Outbreak in Africa Poses No Threat to Russian Travelers, Says Tourism Union

The recent Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa is not affecting the most popular destinations for Russian tourists, according to the Russian Union of Travel Industry (RST). Travelers can continue planning trips to East Africa without concern, provided they stick to well-established routes.

Dmitry Arutyunov, co-head of the RST’s outbound tourism committee and director of tour operator ART-Tour, explained that Russians typically choose Rwanda or Uganda over Congo, where the outbreak is centered. “Infrastructure and sanitation are far better in those countries,” he said. “If anyone does visit Congo, it’s usually to see mountain gorillas. But with the civil war there now, we’re not sending tourists.”

Arutyunov stressed that risks for Russians traveling to East Africa remain low, even as Ebola cases emerge in Central Africa. Tour operators are closely monitoring the situation and following guidance from international bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO).

“There is no immediate danger for Russian tourists,” Arutyunov said. “The WHO is taking all necessary steps to contain the outbreak and prevent its spread.”

The WHO declared a public health emergency of international concern on May 17 due to Ebola cases in Congo and Uganda. In response, Russia is sending medical specialists to Uganda to assist with containment efforts.