The United States government has enforced some temporary visa restrictions after the WHO declared an international public health emergency due to an outbreak of Ebola disease in Central and East Africa.
US Ebola visa restrictions, Based on the new public health directive, temporary entry visas will be issued for non-citizens if they have traveled to affected areas within the last 21 days.
These are some parts of the wider steps being taken worldwide to curb the Ebola virus of the Bundibugyo variety from spreading further.
Which African Countries Are Affected?
The countries affected by this temporary 30-day ban on travel include those listed below, according to the statement of US authorities:
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Uganda
- South Sudan
These 21 days are based on the known incubation period of Ebola disease.
Exemptions from the New Regulations
The temporary exemption is not available to:
- U.S. citizens
- Persons possessing a green card
- U.S. military personnel
- U.S. diplomats serving abroad
- Members of an exempt person’s immediate family
In addition, humanitarian and public health exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis.
Details of New Screening at Airports
Travelers arriving from the affected areas and permitted entry into the United States will now face enhanced screening procedures at selected airports.
Enhanced Health Screenings
Individuals may face:
- temperature screening,
- symptoms checking, and
- medical interviews upon their arrival.
According to authorities, this is aimed at identifying any signs of Ebola symptoms before travel to wider locations.
Airlines to Provide Passenger Information
All airlines must provide information regarding passenger routing and contact details that can be used for:
- contact tracing,
- post-arrival monitoring, and
- emergency health contacts.
Introduction of 21-Day Active Health Monitoring
Travelers arriving from regions affected by Ebola may face health monitoring for up to 21 days post-arrival in the United States.
This is because 21 days are considered the maximum incubation time of Ebola.
Reasons for Imposition of the New Regulations
The new regulations come as a result of increasing alarm following the Ebola outbreak in Ituri, which is located in eastern DRC.
Monitoring of the borders has also increased in neighboring countries such as Uganda and South Sudan due to concerns about possible spread in the region.
There is an insistence by medical experts that Ebola infection is caused by contact with bodily fluids as opposed to airborne spread.
Conclusion
The temporary ban on travel by the US due to Ebola is a huge step towards curbing the spread of the virus.
Travellers to or from affected African countries should be ready for enhanced airport screening, among others.
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