The United States has imposed restrictions on travelers arriving from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as part of measures to prevent the spread of the Ebola outbreak affecting the Central African nation.
According to the White House, U.S. citizens arriving from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) will be required to complete a 21-day quarantine in a third country before they are allowed to continue their journey to Washington.
The DRC Ministry of Health reported that, as of July 11, 2026, a total of 1,926 Ebola cases had been confirmed, including 702 deaths.
Two American citizens, including Dr. Peter Stafford, contracted Ebola while in the DRC. They were transferred to a specialized hospital in Germany, where they received treatment before returning to the United States.
The United States had previously restricted only foreign nationals traveling from the DRC, while allowing U.S. citizens to return home. However, U.S. authorities now say the Ebola outbreak has intensified to the point where there is a risk of the virus reaching Washington.
The last group of approximately 20 American citizens arrived in Washington from the DRC on July 14. U.S. authorities stated that, following their arrival, no additional travelers from the DRC will be permitted to enter under the new restrictions.
