Thailand mandates Ebola health screening for arrivals from high-risk zones

Travelers from the Congo and Uganda face tighter health controls at Thai borders

Thailand has officially intensified screening and preventive measures for travelers arriving from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda following a global health alert regarding the Ebola virus. According to the Ministry of Public Health, the two nations were designated as "dangerous communicable disease zones" in the Royal Gazette on May 20, 2026.

The proactive response was triggered after the World Health Organization (WHO) recently categorized the ongoing Ebola outbreaks as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). While Thailand has not reported any cases, the government is prioritizing surveillance to maintain public confidence in the national health system. Mandatory health registration and monitoring protocols

Under the updated guidelines, all travelers arriving from or transiting through the designated high-risk zones must pre-register their information before arrival. Foreign nationals are required to use the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system, while Thai nationals must register through the Thai Health Pass.

Thailand authorities will conduct temperature checks, health history assessments, and physical symptom screenings at all international checkpoints

Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Persvivatana, stated:

"Authorities will also conduct temperature checks, symptom screening, health history assessments, and monitor travellers for symptoms over a 21-day period."

Travelers who do not display symptoms will be placed under health observation for 21 days, during which they must provide daily health updates to officials. However, those arriving from high-risk areas who have had close contact with infected individuals may be sent to the Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute for mandatory quarantine.

Suvarnabhumi Airport as the primary port of entry

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has coordinated with airlines to ensure that any passengers arriving from the affected regions are channeled specifically through Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. This centralization allows for more efficient deployment of specialized medical teams and laboratory facilities.

Airlines have been instructed to issue pre-travel health advisories and verify health registration records before boarding. Thai officials warned that airlines could be held responsible for disease-control costs if they knowingly transport passengers with symptoms without proper notification.

For broader context on international responses, travelers can read about how global Ebola border screening has been tightened this month.