Travel Alert: Ebola Outbreak Affecting Travel to and from the DRC, Uganda, South Sudan, and Neighboring Areas

MissionSafe is closely monitoring the current Ebola outbreak affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and surrounding areas. Travelers, group leaders, and administrators with current or upcoming travel to the region should review the latest official guidance and take immediate steps to protect their teams. 

 The information below is specific to IMG plans and is being shared in connection with IMG’s guidance for insured travelers. If your coverage was placed through another MissionSafe insurance partner, please reach out to our team. We can help you review your plan, understand available support, and determine the appropriate next steps. 

On May 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of State issued a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” Advisory for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan. CDC guidance also reflects ongoing Ebola activity in the DRC and Uganda, with CDC travel notices issued for both countries and enhanced travel screening and public health measures implemented on May 18, 2026. 

 According to the information currently available, there are reports of 30+ confirmed cases and 500+ suspected cases in the DRC, along with two confirmed cases in Uganda. South Sudan and other neighboring countries have not reported confirmed cases at this time but are considered high risk because of their close proximity to affected areas. 

If you have clients, travelers, or groups that are currently in, scheduled to be in, or actively planning travel to the Affected Region, please urge them to safely relocate as soon as possible.

Anyone considering future travel to the Affected Region or surrounding areas should avoid travel at this time and continue monitoring guidance from the U.S. Department of State, CDC, and other official sources.

Note:  the list of countries included in the Affected Region may change as the outbreak develops and as government advisories are updated.

What Travelers and Group Leaders Should Do Now

1. Identify Any Travelers Currently in the Affected Region

Start by confirming whether your organization has any travelers, teams, volunteers, staff, or group members who are currently in the DRC, Uganda, South Sudan, or nearby border areas.

This may include:

• Active mission teams
• Long-term workers or volunteers
• Students or school groups
• Partner organization staff
• Travelers who booked coverage individually
• Travelers whose plans may not be fully visible to your administrative team

Because MissionSafe and IMG may not have complete visibility into every traveler’s exact location, direct outreach from your organization is especially important.

2. Contact Impacted Travelers Immediately

If you have travelers who are currently in the affected region, contact them as soon as possible.

Encourage them to:

• Review the latest guidance from the U.S. Department of State and CDC
• Follow local public health and government instructions
• Avoid areas with known or suspected outbreak activity
• Evaluate safe relocation options as soon as possible
• Keep communication lines open with your organization or group leader

If a traveler is actively in the affected region, this is not the time to rely on a single email or general announcement. Use multiple contact methods if needed, including phone, text, messaging apps, in-country partners, and team leaders.

Make sure your travelers know your organization’s next steps, who they should contact, and how often they should check in. 

 3. Urge Travelers to Safely Relocate as Soon as Possible 

If your clients, travelers, or groups are currently in, scheduled to be in, or actively planning travel to the affected region, they should be urged to safely relocate as soon as possible.

Relocation should be handled carefully and in accordance with official guidance, local restrictions, and available transportation options. Conditions may change quickly during an outbreak, and movement in or out of certain areas may be limited.

Travelers should avoid unnecessary exposure, follow health authority instructions, and make decisions based on safety and feasibility.

IMPORTANT TRAVEL NOTE: As of May 21, 2026, all U.S.-bound American citizens and lawful permanent residents who have been present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan within 21 days of arrival in the United States must only enter through Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) for enhanced screening. 

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will apply enhanced public health screening at IAD in response to the Ebola outbreak.

4. Pause or Cancel Future Travel to the Affected Region

Anyone considering future travel to the affected region or surrounding areas should avoid travel at this time.

This includes travel to:

• The Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Uganda
• South Sudan
• Neighboring or nearby areas that may be affected by border restrictions, health screening, transportation limits, or outbreak-control measures

The U.S. Department of State currently lists South Sudan at Level 4: Do Not Travel, and current State Department information also reflects Level 4 advisory history for Uganda related to the Ebola outbreak. Continue monitoring the CDC, U.S. Department of State, World Health Organization, and local government authorities. This requirement applies to all passengers. Your travelers should be prepared for flight changes and cancellations.

Coverage and Medical Access Considerations

For travelers who entered the Affected Region before the Level 4 Travel Advisory was issued on May 17, 2026, their IMG plan will continue to provide eligible medical benefits in accordance with the terms and conditions of their policy, provided that services are available.

It is important to understand that coverage eligibility and actual access to care are not the same thing. Even when eligible benefits remain available under the policy, travelers may face serious limitations due to on-the-ground conditions.

Due to government restrictions and outbreak-control measures in the Affected Region and surrounding areas, access to care may be significantly limited. Travelers should be aware that medical evacuation, hospital capacity, and medical treatment may not be available.

No new medical coverage for these areas can be purchased at this time.

Where to Get More Information

Travelers and administrators should continue to monitor official updates before making decisions about current or future travel.

Helpful resources:

CDC Ebola Updates

U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories

U.S. Department of State Ebola Updates

DHS Alert on Enhanced Ebola Screening

MissionSafe Support

For questions related specifically to IMG coverage or availability, you may also contact IMG at +1-317-655-4500.

MissionSafe Is Here to Help

During a fast-changing travel event, clear information and timely communication matter. MissionSafe is here to help clients, group leaders, and administrators understand current advisories, communicate with impacted travelers, and think through practical next steps for affected travel plans.