Ebola & International Travel · July 2026

DRC and Uganda Ebola outbreak prompts entry restrictions in some countries

Developing story — facts still moving. Check Reuters or ABC News for the latest.

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Not exciting

Relevant to Australians travelling to or transiting through East or Central Africa, or medical workers deployed to the region. Australia has not yet announced screening measures, but the US has imposed entry restrictions.

In a nutshell: The US imposed public health entry screening and entry restrictions from 18 May 2026 for travellers from DRC and Uganda; an order extending these restrictions was issued on 13 July. Cases have been reported beyond the region including in France and Uganda’s capital Kampala. IOM has screened millions at border crossings. Australia’s DFAT travel advice for DRC advises against travel.

Spin Unspin

What they’re saying

Standard US public-health border measure; other countries have varied in their response, and Australia has not publicly matched it.

IOM’s $55.8 million regional plan is underfunded; the warning is operationally grounded, not speculative.

CDC and IOM are primary sources; no official Australian Government screening announcement confirmed as of this morning.

Ebola Outbreak: Current Situation | Ebola | CDC

Ebola Outbreak 2026: How IOM is Helping | International Organization for Migration

Do I care?

Check smartraveller.gov.au for DRC and Uganda advisories before booking; connect with your GP if recently returned from affected areas.

Check DFAT SmartTraveller before any itinerary involving East or Central Africa.

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