Dubai’s Emirates warns passengers amid global Ebola screening crackdown
Enhanced airport checks introduced across multiple international destinations
DUBAI – Dubai’s flagship carrier Emirates has issued a travel advisory urging passengers to check destination-specific entry requirements before departure, as governments around the world tighten health screening and travel restrictions in response to the escalating Ebola outbreak in Central and East Africa.
In an update issued late on May 28, the airline warned that several countries had introduced “travel entry restrictions and/or enhanced screening measures due to the Ebola virus”. Emirates advised customers to verify the latest rules through official government channels before travelling, as border measures continue to evolve rapidly.
The advisory comes after the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern”, citing the increasing spread of infections across borders and the potential risk to neighbouring regions. More than 900 suspected cases and hundreds of deaths have already been reported, according to international health authorities.
UNICEF has also categorised the outbreak as its highest level of emergency response and allocated millions of dollars in emergency funding aimed at containing the virus and supporting healthcare systems in affected regions.
Global measures
Countries across North America, the Middle East, Africa and Asia have moved swiftly to impose additional entry rules, airport screening procedures and temporary bans for travellers arriving from high-risk regions, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan.
The United States has implemented some of the most stringent measures so far. Under updated guidance issued by the US Department of State on May 28, travellers who have been in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda or South Sudan within 21 days before arrival are required to enter through designated airports for enhanced Ebola screening.
American authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Homeland Security, are conducting temperature checks, symptom assessments and travel-history reviews at selected airports such as Washington Dulles International Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The restrictions also apply to permanent residents and green card holders who have recently visited the affected countries.
Canada has announced a 90-day entry ban on residents from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan. Canadian citizens and permanent residents returning from those countries without symptoms will still be required to quarantine for 21 days.
The Bahamas has introduced a 30-day entry ban for residents from the affected nations and warned that additional quarantine and health-screening procedures could apply to some arrivals.
Airport checks
India has launched heightened surveillance and screening procedures at airports while advising citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Congo, Uganda and South Sudan.
Jordan and Bahrain have temporarily suspended entry for some travellers arriving from affected African nations. Thailand has restricted arrivals from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, where enhanced health checks and quarantine procedures are being carried out.
Kenya has activated isolation facilities and strengthened screening protocols at high-risk entry points as part of its national containment strategy.
Mexico has also tightened airport health procedures and advised citizens against travel to Congo because of the outbreak.
Meanwhile, the European Union’s Health Security Committee stated that entry screening for passengers arriving from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda was not necessary at this stage, saying the risk to the wider European population remained low.
Ebola Virus
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the current outbreak has been primarily linked to the Bundibugyo strain of the Orthoebolavirus budibugyoense species.
Health experts describe the strain as particularly challenging because fewer medical countermeasures are currently available compared with other Ebola variants that have caused previous outbreaks.
Medical authorities say symptoms can initially resemble common viral illnesses and may include fever, headaches, body aches, fatigue and weakness. More severe complications can later involve unexplained bleeding, gastrointestinal symptoms, breathing difficulties, seizures and significant weight loss.
The virus is mainly spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces. Transmission can also occur through infected animals commonly associated with the virus, including bats, primates and antelopes.
Scientists have stressed that Ebola is not considered an airborne virus like Covid-19. Experts note that transmission through bodily fluids is a less efficient mode of spread, reducing the likelihood of widespread outbreaks in countries far from the affected regions.
The CDC stated on May 18 that there were no suspected, probable or confirmed Ebola cases linked to the outbreak in the United States. However, the agency continues to issue travel notices for countries experiencing high infection rates and advises travellers to remain alert.
Health specialists have emphasised that the incubation period for Ebola can range from several days to several weeks, meaning infected individuals may not immediately realise they are carrying the virus.
Medical professionals are urging travellers, especially those who have recently visited affected areas or had close contact with potentially infected individuals, to seek prompt medical advice if symptoms appear.
Authorities worldwide continue to monitor the situation closely as airlines, airports and border agencies adapt travel procedures in response to the evolving outbreak and rising international concern over cross-border transmission risks.