CDC Keeps Entry Suspension for Covered Aliens Over Bundibugyo Virus Risk

The CDC continued its suspension of entry for people recently present in the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan, citing Ebola disease associated with the Bundibugyo virus. The renewed order took effect November 10, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EST.

It is scheduled to remain in force through 4:59 p.m. EST on December 10, 2026, unless the agency changes or rescinds it sooner. The restriction includes U.S. lawful permanent residents, subject to exceptions.

The order targets people who departed from, or were otherwise present in, any of the three countries during the prior 21 days. It applies regardless of a traveler’s country of origin.

The agency describes the disease risk as connected to the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where Ebola disease was confirmed, and Uganda, where it was present until recently. South Sudan is included in the geographic scope. The order addresses Ebola disease, not every disease that could fall under federal quarantine law.

Physical presence can include transit as well as a longer stay, the agency says. It determined that individualized screening cannot currently serve as a practical substitute for applying the restriction to everyone who falls within its scope.

The order allows service-related and discretionary exceptions

Some travelers may qualify for an exception, but the provisions depend on the person’s role and the required public health safeguards. The order provides for:

• Certain members of the U.S. armed forces, associated personnel and family members, when the required assurances about steps to control transmission risk are provided.
• U.S. government employees or contractors on official overseas orders, and qualifying accompanying family members, when the relevant agency head provides assurances about measures such as quarantine or isolation.
• Exceptions granted by Customs officers with supervisory approval, based on the totality of the circumstances.
• A provisional exception from the agency, subject to confirmation through a public health assessment at entry under a Department of Homeland Security-approved process.

The order also provides for exceptions to be tailored by the agency. Travelers seeking an exception should consult the current order’s full provisions, since the conditions differ by pathway.

Public health law supports a temporary 30-day order

The agency issued the restriction under sections 362 and 365 of the Public Health Service Act, 42 U.S.C. 265 and 268, and regulations in 42 CFR part 71. The statutes allow the agency’s director to suspend the introduction of people from a foreign country when a quarantinable communicable disease poses a serious danger of introduction into the United States and a temporary suspension is necessary to protect public health.

The agency says the limited duration gives it time to monitor conditions and assess whether the risk of importation has materially changed. It is also using the period to consider whether the restriction should continue or be modified, while developing a mitigation and containment plan.

The order follows a series of earlier continuations, but this extension runs for 30 days. The director may amend or rescind it before its scheduled end. The order is published in the Federal Register.

Comments must reach the agency by November 30

People and organizations may send written comments through Regulations.gov or by mail. Submissions should identify docket CDC-2026-0892 and the agency. CDC does not accept comments by email.

The agency may post comments and supporting materials publicly, including personal details submitted with them. People planning travel should monitor the order for changes before its scheduled expiration.

This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Consult a qualified immigration attorney about your specific case.