The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for three countries following an Ebola outbreak declared in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Ebola Outbreak Details
On May 15, the DRC Ministry of Health confirmed an outbreak of Ebola Bundibugyo in the North-Eastern Ituri Province. Cases have also been confirmed in neighbouring Uganda. In response, several countries have introduced stricter measures for travellers, including enhanced health screenings for foreign nationals and quarantine requirements for residents in certain cases.
Countries with Updated Travel Advice
- Uganda: The Foreign Office warns of heightened health screenings at borders and entry points.
- Angola: Travellers may experience increased health screening at international borders. The advice notes the outbreak in DRC and recommends checking entry requirements.
- Central African Republic: The Foreign Office had already advised against all travel to parts of the country, but updated advice due to its border with DRC.
Regional Measures
Kenya has introduced enhanced health screenings for passengers arriving from Uganda, Ethiopia, and DRC. Tanzania has also implemented increased public health measures for incoming travellers. The Foreign Office advises Britons to check entry requirements for their destination or transit countries.
Industry Response
Virginia Messina, Group CEO of the African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA), stated: "Established protocols are in place within countries bordering the DRC, and tourism operations across the wider African continent continue normally. As of May 27, no other cases have been detected outside Uganda and DRC. The risk to travellers on standard itineraries remains very low. However, travel rules may change quickly. The WHO and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control are scaling up containment efforts but advise against blanket travel restrictions. Neither the UK nor any European country has introduced entry bans."
The Foreign Office continues to monitor the situation and advises travellers to stay informed via TravelHealth Pro and official government sources.
