U.S. Halts Travel from Three African Nations Over Ebola Fears

The United States has temporarily barred foreign nationals who have recently visited the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan from entering the country. The restriction, announced Wednesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), takes effect immediately and lasts for 30 days.

The move comes in response to a dangerous outbreak of Ebola—specifically the Bundibugyo strain—sweeping through those regions. Under the new order, anyone who spent time in any of the three countries within 21 days of their planned arrival will be turned away at the border.

American citizens and permanent green card holders are still allowed in, but they won't slip through unchecked. The Department of Homeland Security is requiring all such travelers to reroute through Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), where they must undergo mandatory health screenings and fill out detailed questionnaires.

So far, the CDC reports no suspected or confirmed Ebola cases inside the United States, and the agency considers the domestic risk low. Still, officials say the enhanced screening is a necessary step to slow any potential spread. At the end of the 30-day period, the CDC will decide whether to extend, modify, or lift the ban.