If you have recently traveled to or through the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda, or South Sudan — or if you have family members who have — a critical USA immigration alert affects you right now. In response to a serious Ebola outbreak, U.S. federal agencies issued sweeping travel restrictions in May 2026 that impact who can enter the United States, how visa processing is functioning, and where international flights are being redirected.
These measures involve multiple federal agencies working simultaneously: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Department of State (DOS). Understanding exactly what each agency has done — and what it means for your immigration situation — can help you make informed decisions and avoid unexpected complications at the border or during your visa application process.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know in plain language, so you can protect your travel plans, your pending visa applications, and your family’s immigration status.
What Is the CDC Title 42 Order and Who Does It Affect?
On May 18, 2026, the CDC issued a Title 42 Order in response to an active Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. Title 42 is a public health authority that allows the U.S. government to restrict entry of certain individuals at the border when there is a risk of introducing a communicable disease into the United States.
Under this specific order, the following people are barred from entering the United States:
- Non-U.S. passport holders who departed from DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan within the last 21 days
- Non-U.S. passport holders who were physically present in any of these three countries within the last 21 days
Importantly, U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals are not covered by this ban — they retain the right to return to the United States regardless of recent travel. However, green card holders (lawful permanent residents) and visa holders who have been present in these countries within the past 21 days may be affected and should seek legal guidance before attempting to travel to the U.S.
The order is currently set to remain in effect for 30 days from its issuance date of May 18, 2026. Extensions are possible if the outbreak continues.
DOS Visa Services Paused at Three U.S. Embassies
Simultaneously, the Department of State announced that effective May 18, 2026, all visa services are temporarily suspended at three U.S. embassies:
- U.S. Embassy in Juba, South Sudan
- U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- U.S. Embassy in Kampala, Uganda
This suspension covers all visa categories — immigrant visas (including family petitions, employment-based green cards, and diversity visas), nonimmigrant visas (tourist, student, work, and exchange visitor visas), as well as visa interviews, biometric appointments, and document issuance. In short, if you had a visa appointment scheduled at any of these three embassies, it has been cancelled until further notice.
If you or a family member was scheduled for an immigrant visa interview at one of these locations, your case has not been denied — it is on hold. You should monitor the relevant embassy’s official website and sign up for updates. Once visa services resume, your case will need to be rescheduled, which may add several weeks or months to your immigration timeline depending on appointment availability.
CBP Flight Restrictions: All Affected Passengers Redirected to Dulles
In addition to the CDC and DOS actions, U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued a Carrier Liaison Program bulletin requiring airlines to make significant changes to routing. Specifically:
- All flights departing after 11:59 PM ET on May 20, 2026 that carry passengers who have been recently present in DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan must arrive at Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Virginia, rather than their intended U.S. destination.
- CBP announced enhanced medical screening procedures at U.S. ports of entry to identify and assess travelers who may have been exposed to Ebola.
If you are traveling internationally and your journey involves a connection through one of the affected countries, even briefly, you may be subject to these rerouting requirements. Passengers diverted to Dulles will undergo public health screening before being permitted to continue to their final destination within the United States. This process can cause significant delays, and in some cases, passengers may be temporarily held for further medical evaluation.
What This Means for Immigrants and Their Families
For immigrants and their families, these overlapping restrictions create a number of practical challenges worth addressing immediately:
If you are a visa holder or green card holder currently in DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan: You may be unable to board a flight to the U.S. or could be diverted upon arrival if you have been present in one of these countries in the past 21 days. Do not assume that holding a valid visa or green card automatically guarantees entry. Consult an immigration attorney before making travel arrangements.
If you have a pending visa interview at the affected embassies: Your appointment has been cancelled and will need to be rescheduled once services resume. Keep checking the official embassy website for updates. There is no action you need to take right now other than staying informed.
If you are a U.S. citizen trying to petition for a family member in one of these countries: Your I-130 petition or other underlying immigration petition is not affected by this pause. USCIS continues processing petitions filed within the United States. However, the final immigrant visa step — the consular interview — cannot proceed until DOS resumes operations at the affected embassies.
If you are an employer sponsoring a foreign national worker based in one of these regions: You should immediately consult your immigration counsel about backup options, rescheduling interviews at third-country posts, or temporary visa extensions where applicable.
How Long Will These Restrictions Last?
The CDC Title 42 Order is currently in effect for 30 days, meaning it is scheduled to expire around June 17, 2026, unless extended. However, public health emergencies tied to active disease outbreaks like Ebola are unpredictable. If the outbreak is contained quickly, authorities may lift restrictions early. Conversely, if cases spread, the order could be extended or expanded to additional countries.
The DOS visa service pause does not have a specified end date — it will remain in effect “until further notice,” meaning resumption is tied directly to developments in the Ebola situation. Given the nature of the outbreak, affected applicants should plan for potential delays of at least several weeks to a few months.
It is also worth noting that similar Title 42 orders issued in recent years have sometimes been lifted and then reimposed as outbreaks evolved. Staying current with official announcements from the CDC, DOS, and CBP is essential.
Practical Steps You Should Take Right Now
If you or a family member is affected by these restrictions, here are the most important steps to take immediately:
- Do not attempt to travel to the U.S. from the affected countries without first consulting an immigration attorney or confirming your eligibility under the current order.
- Check your embassy’s official website for updates on when visa services will resume and how to reschedule any cancelled appointments.
- Keep documentation of any cancelled appointments, including confirmation emails and correspondence from the embassy or visa service center.
- Contact your airline if you have existing tickets to understand how you may be affected by the CBP rerouting requirements and what rebooking options are available.
- Consult an immigration attorney if you are a green card holder or visa holder who recently traveled through these regions and are unsure about your ability to re-enter the U.S.
Conclusion: Stay Informed and Seek Legal Guidance
The Ebola-related travel restrictions issued in May 2026 represent a significant, if temporary, disruption to USA immigration processes for individuals connected to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan. While these measures are public health-driven rather than immigration policy decisions, they have immediate and tangible effects on visa applicants, green card holders, and their families.
Situations like this can feel overwhelming, especially when you are already navigating a complex immigration journey. The most important thing is to stay informed through official channels and to consult a qualified immigration attorney if you have specific concerns about how these restrictions affect your case.
For the full details and legal guidance, visit the American Immigration Lawyers Association at aila.org or consult a qualified immigration attorney.
Immigration Fleet Law Firm