In two consecutive official alerts issued earlier this year, U.S. federal agencies have rolled out new public health restrictions for incoming travelers and upgraded security warnings for American citizens traveling or residing overseas.
The most recent public health update, published by U.S. authorities on May 21, 2026, introduces mandatory enhanced Ebola screening for all eligible travelers entering the United States who have visited three central African nations in the three weeks prior to their arrival. This rule applies not only to foreign travelers but also to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) who have been present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan. All covered travelers are required to enter the country exclusively through Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), where the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will conduct the heightened public health checks. The alert notes that the new entry requirement is a direct response to an ongoing Ebola outbreak in the region, and advises travelers to prepare for potential last-minute flight changes or cancellations that may disrupt travel plans.
A separate security alert, issued by the U.S. Department of State on March 22, 2026, calls for increased vigilance among all American citizens located around the globe, with a particular warning for those in the Middle East. The Department of State warns that U.S. diplomatic facilities and interests have been targeted in attacks both within and outside the Middle East, and that pro-Iran groups may carry out additional strikes against U.S. assets, U.S.-affiliated locations, and American citizens across the world. The alert also notes that intermittent airspace closures in affected regions are likely to cause widespread travel disruptions for international travelers.
Both alerts outline clear steps for affected individuals to stay updated on changing conditions. Travelers bound for the U.S. are encouraged to review the full DHS alert on enhanced Ebola screening, check consular information for the outbreak, confirm their flight itinerary and entry route directly with their airline, and enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real-time safety updates. For U.S. citizens overseas, the State Department advises following all guidance issued by the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, enrolling in STEP through the official portal step.state.gov, subscribing to the U.S. Department of State Security Updates channel on WhatsApp for immediate alerts, and reviewing the latest Travel Advisory and destination-specific information on the official travel.state.gov website before planning any international trips.