U.S. Bars Citizens in Congo From Flying Directly Home, Citing Ebola

On July 13, 2026, the Trump administration began barring U.S. citizens who have recently been in the Democratic Republic of Congo from boarding commercial flights directly to the United States, requiring them to spend at least 21 days in a third country first. The measure, taken under Title 49 transportation authority and citing an Ebola outbreak and updated guidance from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., places affected travelers on a "do-not-board" list. Officials said the government was aware of about two dozen citizens who had been set to fly home.

Using a do-not-board list to keep American citizens from returning home is highly unusual. Dr. Daniel Jernigan, a former senior CDC official who led the agency's 2014-2015 Ebola response, called the approach unprecedented for travelers at low infection risk. The policy raises questions about citizens' ability to return to their own country and about the balance between public-health precaution and freedom of movement.

The restriction is in effect. The State Department said it would work with affected citizens on the 21-day waiting period before their return.