Airport Alert: Ebola-Related Enhanced Travel Security and Entry Restrictions Announced
The Centers for Disease Control and the Department of Homeland Security implemented enhanced travel screening and entry restrictions measures to reduce the risk of an active Ebola strain (Bundibugyo) from entering the United States. There is currently an outbreak of this virus in select countries in East and Central Africa where at least 80 people have died. While there are no approved vaccines or specific therapeutics for this strain, public health officials currently assess the immediate risk to the general American public as "low," largely due to the rapid implementation of travel and border health measures.
While some specific travel restrictions and entry details are still coming together, the following has been announced:
- Non-U.S. passport holders who have traveled to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan in the past 21 days are barred from entering the United States.
- All travelers (including U.S. citizens, green card holders, and U.S. military personnel) returning from affected countries may be funneled through designated U.S. international airports for rigorous public health screening, contact information collection, and symptom monitoring. While specific U.S. airports have not yet been identified, past U.S. response protocols have funneled arrivals from affected regions through five major hubs for screening: John F. Kennedy, Newark Liberty, Washington Dulles. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, and Chicago O’Hare International airports.
- Airlines, international partners, and port-of-entry officials will help to identify and manage travelers who may have been exposed to Ebola virus.
- Travelers are advised to monitor for Ebola symptoms (such as fever, aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or unexplained bleeding) for 21 days after leaving an affected area and to self-isolate if symptoms develop.
These are temporary measures, in effect for 30 days.
Additional details can be found on these links:
