CBP AND CDC EXTEND ORDER RELATING TO EBOLA OUTBREAKS AND UPDATE DESIGNATED AIRPORTS
September 28, 2026
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On May 18, 2026, the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) released an Order suspending entry of any “covered aliens” into the U.S. for a period of 30 days for persons that have departed from, or were otherwise present in, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan during the last 21 days. CBP said it implemented this Order in response to Ebola outbreaks in the countries. Pursuant to the Order, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been performing enhanced public health screenings on travelers arriving from these countries. Currently, travelers, including U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals, who have been in the Democratic Republic of Congo within 21 days before departure will not be allowed to board commercial flights with U.S. destinations. U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals who have been present in South Sudan or Uganda within 21 days of their travel date will have their air travel routed through designated U.S. airports for enhanced public health screenings.
Through a number of updates, CBP designated four (4) airports for CDC to perform the enhanced screening program: Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). On August 12, 2026, CBP formally extended the original order to September 11, 2026. However, for flights departing after 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on August 31, 2026, IAH will no longer be a designated airport for the enhanced screening program.
This Aviation Regulatory Update is intended to keep readers current on developments in the law. It is not intended to be legal advice. If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact Evelyn D. Sahr at 202.659.6622 or esahr@eckertseamans.com; Drew M. Derco at 202.659.6665 or dderco@eckertseamans.com; Tyler R. Myers at 202.659.6642 or trmyers@eckertseamans.com; Xander B. Silva at 412.566.6069 or xsilva@eckertseamans.com, or any other attorney at Eckert Seamans with whom you have been working.
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