India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued an advisory on Saturday, May 23, 2026, recommending that citizens avoid non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda, and South Sudan due to an ongoing Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa.
The advisory, released by the Directorate General of Health Services, urges travelers to follow strict precautions if travel is unavoidable, including avoiding contact with symptomatic individuals and practicing hand hygiene. The ministry also advised returning travelers from these countries to monitor their health for 21 days and report any symptoms like fever, headache, or muscle pain to the nearest health facility.
According to the World Health Organization, the Ebola outbreak in the DRC was declared on April 23, 2026, with cases also reported in neighboring Uganda and South Sudan. As of May 20, 2026, the WHO reported 87 confirmed cases and 43 deaths across the three countries. The outbreak is caused by the Zaire ebolavirus species.
India's advisory aligns with global health recommendations, as the WHO has not imposed travel or trade restrictions but emphasizes enhanced screening at borders. The Indian government has not announced any travel bans but strongly advises against non-essential travel to the affected regions.
The Ministry of External Affairs is coordinating with airlines and embassies to ensure Indian nationals in the affected areas receive necessary support. Citizens are advised to register with the nearest Indian embassy or consulate for assistance.
