US, Mexico and Canada Align 21-Day Ebola Travel Curbs Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Updated
Updated · Reuters · May 28
US, Mexico and Canada Align 21-Day Ebola Travel Curbs Ahead of 2026 World Cup
14 articles · Updated · Reuters · May 28
The three World Cup hosts said they have coordinated Ebola-related travel measures for people arriving from African regions at highest risk, framing the move as a regional safety step before the 2026 tournament.
WHO declared the Democratic Republic of Congo outbreak a global public health emergency on May 17 and warned of high risk of spread to neighboring countries, prompting governments to tighten border controls.
The United States last week barred non-citizens who recently visited the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan, and the CDC later extended the restriction to green card holders with travel there in the prior 21 days.
Canada imposed a 90-day entry ban on residents from those three countries starting Wednesday and will require a 21-day quarantine from May 30 for citizens, permanent residents and other eligible arrivals without symptoms.
Mexico has tightened airport screening, urged people to avoid travel to the DRC and asked arrivals from there to observe a 21-day quarantine, underscoring a North America-wide effort to keep travel open during the World Cup.
Is North America truly prepared for the massive health risks of the 2026 World Cup beyond Ebola?
Do the World Cup Ebola travel bans protect public health or unfairly isolate African nations?
2026 World Cup Travel Restrictions: Coordinated Ebola Response by US, Canada, and Mexico Amid DRC-Uganda Outbreak
Overview
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup draws near, an ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda has prompted the United States, Canada, and Mexico to announce coordinated public health travel measures. With millions of international travelers expected, these host nations are expanding health monitoring and preparedness to prevent cross-border transmission of the virus. Proactive steps, such as tighter screening and travel restrictions, are being implemented to safeguard public health, though they are expected to impact airport operations and create logistical challenges. These measures aim to ensure the safety of both citizens and visitors during this major global event.