Emirates issues Ebola travel advisory as US, Canada, and others tighten entry rules

The advisory follows the WHO declaring the DRC Ebola outbreak a public health emergency of international concern

Emirates has issued a travel advisory urging passengers to check destination entry requirements before flying, as several countries introduce enhanced Ebola-related screening measures and travel restrictions.

According to Gulf News, the Dubai carrier published an update on May 28 stating that multiple countries have implemented "travel entry restrictions and/or enhanced screening measures due to the Ebola virus." The airline advised travelers to verify the latest requirements through official government channels before departure.

The warning comes after the World Health Organization declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) a Public Health Emergency of International Concern earlier this month, citing a high risk of the disease spreading to neighboring countries. Governments across the world have since stepped up travel-related health measures, particularly for passengers arriving from the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan.

United States

The United States has introduced some of the strictest measures so far. According to a May 28 advisory from the US Department of State, US citizens and nationals who have been in the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan within 21 days of arrival must enter the country only through designated airports for enhanced Ebola screening.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Homeland Security are carrying out temperature checks, travel history verification, and symptom monitoring at selected airports, including Washington Dulles and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

The US has also extended restrictions to green card holders who have recently traveled to the affected countries.

Canada

Canada has announced a 90-day entry ban on residents from the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan starting May 28. Canadian citizens and permanent residents returning from those countries without symptoms will still need to quarantine for 21 days.

Bahamas

The Bahamas has introduced a 30-day entry ban for residents from the affected countries and announced enhanced screening and possible quarantine measures for some travelers.

India

India has launched screening and surveillance checks at airports and advised citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan.

Jordan, Bahrain, and Thailand

Jordan and Bahrain have temporarily suspended entry for some travelers arriving from the affected African nations. Thailand has restricted arrivals from the DRC and Uganda to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport, where screening and quarantine measures are in place.

Kenya

Kenya has enhanced traveler screening at high-risk entry points and activated isolation facilities as part of its containment plans.

European Union

The European Union's Health Security Committee said entry screening was not necessary for passengers arriving from the DRC and Uganda, stating the risk to the wider population remained low.

Mexico

Mexico has tightened airport screening procedures and urged travelers to avoid visiting Congo.