Ebola outbreak: What travel restrictions have countries imposed?

May 28, 2026 - 10:50

Canada, the Bahamas, and the United States have moved to restrict travel from countries affected by a recent outbreak of a rare strain of Ebola. The measures, which include outright bans on arrivals from the impacted regions, are aimed at preventing the virus from crossing international borders.

The restrictions target travelers who have been in areas where the outbreak is currently active. Officials in the three nations cite the need to contain the spread of the disease, which has a high fatality rate and can be transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids. The World Health Organization has not recommended broad travel bans, arguing that such measures can hinder the delivery of medical supplies and personnel. However, individual governments are taking their own precautions.

The United States has implemented enhanced screening for passengers arriving from the affected countries, while Canada and the Bahamas have imposed more stringent entry denials. The moves come as health authorities in the outbreak zone struggle to contain the virus, which has already claimed several lives. Travelers planning trips to or from the region are advised to check the latest entry requirements before departure. The situation remains fluid, with additional countries expected to announce their own restrictions in the coming days.