The United States government has directed all U.S.-bound American citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) who have recently been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda, or South Sudan to enter the country only through Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) for enhanced health screening.

The measure, which took effect on May 21, 2026, as announced by the U.S Department of State Consular Affairs via its X handle, is part of the US response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak linked to Bundibugyo virus disease in the region.

According to the directive, the restriction applies to all affected travellers, including U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who have been present in any of the three countries within 21 days before arriving in the United States.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will conduct enhanced public health screening procedures at Washington Dulles International Airport.

Authorities also warned travellers to expect possible disruptions to flight schedules.

“Please be prepared for flight changes or cancellations,” the notice stated.

The move follows heightened international concern over the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda, which the World Health Organisation recently classified as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).