By Staff Reporter
Dubai-based Emirates has advised passengers to carefully review entry requirements before travelling, after several countries introduced stricter Ebola-related travel rules and health screenings.
In a travel update released on May 28, the airline warned that multiple nations have imposed “entry restrictions and enhanced screening measures” in response to the growing Ebola outbreak in Central Africa. Travellers were urged to confirm the latest regulations through official government sources before departure.
The advisory follows the World Health Organization declaration earlier this month that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Health officials say the rare Bundibugyo strain poses a significant risk of spreading to neighbouring countries.
Countries around the world have since moved quickly to strengthen border controls, especially for passengers arriving from the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan.
United States steps up screening
The United States has introduced some of the toughest measures so far. Under new guidance issued by the US State Department, travellers who have recently visited the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan within the past 21 days must enter through designated airports for enhanced Ebola screening.
Authorities are conducting temperature checks, monitoring symptoms, and reviewing travel histories at major airports including Washington Dulles and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. The restrictions also apply to green card holders returning from affected countries.
Canada imposes temporary ban
Canada announced a 90-day entry suspension for residents from the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan beginning May 28. Canadian citizens and permanent residents returning from those nations must complete a mandatory 21-day quarantine if they show no symptoms.
Other nations tighten controls
The Bahamas has implemented a 30-day entry ban for residents from affected countries, alongside additional screening and quarantine procedures.
India has increased airport surveillance and advised citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the affected regions.
Meanwhile, Jordan and Bahrain temporarily suspended entry for some travellers from high-risk areas, while Thailand restricted arrivals from the DRC and Uganda to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport for mandatory screening.
Kenya has also activated emergency isolation facilities and enhanced monitoring at key border points.
Europe takes a different approach
The European Union Health Security Committee stated that entry screening for passengers arriving from the DRC and Uganda is currently unnecessary, maintaining that the overall public health risk to Europe remains low.
Mexico has nevertheless increased airport health checks and urged citizens to avoid travel to Congo unless essential.
