Ebola Emergency: OCG Travel Guidelines
Border Measures & Local Restrictions
Government measures for staff returning from DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan vary significantly by country and continue to evolve rapidly. Some governments have strong existing capacity to test, isolate, and treat Ebola cases. Others have limited domestic capacity to respond to a suspected case.
Some have introduced blanket border restrictions such as including travel bans, mandatory quarantine, or visa suspensions, as a precautionary measure.
These measures can change at short notice and without advance warning. OCG Taskforce21 (TF21) and the relevant MSF partner offices are monitoring the developments closely.
TF21 coordinates with the MSF contracting partner for each staff and when required, contacts the national authorities to notify of your return.
Page last updated: 23 July 2026
Non Exhaustive current entry requirements by Country
DRC & Uganda
Uganda has implemented strict containment measures, including:
Suspension of cross-border passenger transport (bus, ferry) with DRC.
Temporary ban on flights between Uganda and DRC.
Enhanced screening and controls at border points.
Important clarification: There is no full nationwide border closure in Uganda, but cross-border mobility with DRC is significantly restricted.
Ethiopia – Addis Ababa (Bole International Airport)
Passengers transiting through Addis Ababa are required to complete a health declaration form. To avoid delays during transit, it is strongly recommended to complete the form in advance of arrival. Access the form here.
South Sudan – Juba (Juba International Airport)
New Ebola screening procedures have been introduced at Juba International Airport:
Upon arrival, passengers must connect to Wi-Fi in the screening area.
Scan the designated QR code and complete the online screening form.
Temperature checks will be conducted.
After screening, passengers may proceed as usual.
Kenya – Nairobi (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport)
Health screening measures may be implemented before boarding a flight to Kenya or upon arrival, including temperature checks and possible completion of health declaration forms, depending on the traveler's point of origin and transit history.
A dedicated isolation room is available at the airport for individuals requiring sample collection; they will need to wait there for the results.
Travelers are advised to allow additional time upon arrival and to follow instructions provided by airport health authorities.
Canada
The Government of Canada has suspended immigration documents (including previously approved visas, eTAs, and permanent resident visas) for residents of DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan for 90 days from 27 May 2026.
A separate measure, in force from 30 May until 29 August 2026, requires Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and foreign nationals who have been in these countries within the previous 21 days to quarantine for 21 days on arrival.
Travelers presenting symptoms will be isolated in a hospital for further assessment. These measures are being implemented under the Quarantine Act.
Risk assessment within a maximum of 48 hours after arrival in Canada.
Health declaration form required.
United States
Must enter via designated airports: JFK (preferred), Washington Dulles, Atlanta, or Houston.
It is strongly recommended that U.S. citizens complete a 21-day monitoring period in a third country before returning to the United States; permanent residents (green card holders) cannot return to the US before completing their 21-day monitoring period in a third country.
Switzerland
Entry authorised for Swiss nationals, residents, and valid Schengen visa holders.
No PCR or Ebola testing required on arrival.
21-day monitoring period via daily reporting or auto-monitoring.
France
Entry authorised for French nationals, residents, and valid Schengen visa holders.
Pre-arrival risk assessment required, submitted within 48 hours.
Health declaration form required.
No PCR or Ebola testing required on arrival.
21-day monitoring period via daily reporting or auto-monitoring.