The Trump administration on Monday announced that US citizens currently in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will not be allowed to travel directly to the United States on commercial flights due to the country's worsening Ebola outbreak.
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According to a White House official, the restriction has been imposed under a transportation authority known as Title 49. Americans in Congo, or those who have recently left the country, will be placed on a "do-not-board" list until they have spent at least 21 days in a third country before traveling to the US.
Around two dozen Americans were expected to board flights to the US on Tuesday after traveling to Congo. The official said the US State Department would assist those affected during the waiting period, Reuters cited.
Travel advisory issued earlier for US citizens abroad
The US Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs issued a "Do Not Travel to Congo" advisory on July 12 for its citizens living abroad due to the Ebola outbreak.
The advisory warned that travellers exposed to the virus could face life-threatening risks and may be required to quarantine in a third country for up to 21 days at their own expense, with insurance potentially not covering the costs. It also said the US government has a process in place to help American citizens exposed to Ebola access appropriate medical care if they seek assistance.
