US Expands Ebola-Related Entry Ban to Include Green Card Holders From Three African Countries

Mintesinot Nigussie

The United States has expanded temporary travel restrictions linked to Ebola concerns. Lawful permanent residents who have been in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan within the past 21 days are now barred from entering the country.

The measure extends an earlier 30-day restriction that had exempted green card holders. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the change strengthens public health protections while preserving emergency response capacity.

The restriction was issued under Title 42 of US public health law, which allows limits on entry to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. Individuals from the three countries within the 21-day window are now subject to the ban.

The policy aims to balance public health protection with the management of emergency response resources.

This expansion reflects heightened caution over Ebola outbreaks in the affected countries and the need to prevent potential cross-border transmission.