The United States, Canada and Mexico have announced coordinated travel measures ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in response to Ebola outbreaks in parts of Central Africa. The U.S. CDC will initially apply a 30-day restriction to foreign nationals who visited Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo or South Sudan within the past 21 days, while Mexico will enforce similar measures for 60 days. Officials report more than 1,000 suspected cases and around 250 deaths in the DRC; the outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain with no available vaccine or specific treatment.
US, Canada and Mexico Announce Coordinated Ebola Travel Rules Ahead of 2026 World Cup
FILE PHOTO - A signpost announcing the entry to the Ebola Treatment Unit is pictured in Gueckedou, where several Ebola survivors are running a creche for children who are monitored for potential infections. picture alliance / dpa
The United States, Canada and Mexico have unveiled coordinated public-health travel measures ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in response to ongoing Ebola outbreaks in parts of Central Africa.
The three host nations said the measures are intended to protect citizens and the millions of visitors, fans, athletes and tourists expected for the tournament while maintaining travel and commerce across their borders.
U.S. measures: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said a 30-day travel restriction will initially be applied to foreign nationals who have been in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo or South Sudan within the previous 21 days.
Mexico and Canada: Mexican authorities and major carriers including Aeroméxico and Viva announced similar limits; Mexico’s regulation states the measures will remain in force for 60 days, covering the World Cup period. Canadian officials are part of the coordinated approach and will work with U.S. and Mexican counterparts on implementation.
Outbreak situation: Health authorities report that eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo and parts of Uganda are affected. Latest official figures show more than 1,000 suspected cases in the DRC with roughly 250 reported deaths; Uganda�s numbers are significantly lower.
About Ebola: Ebola is a highly contagious, life-threatening viral disease transmitted through direct contact with infected people or bodily fluids. Previous major outbreaks were deadly: the 2014–2015 West Africa epidemic caused over 11,000 deaths, and the 2018–2020 eastern DRC outbreak resulted in about 2,300 deaths.
Complicating factors: Officials say the current outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which no vaccine or specific treatment is currently available, complicating containment efforts.
What travelers should do: Authorities urge travelers to check official government travel advisories, contact airlines for any flight restrictions or requirements, and follow public-health guidance to reduce risk. Host nations emphasize the measures are intended to protect public health while minimizing disruption to travel and commerce.
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