Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo & Surrounding Countries

26th May 2026  Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo & Surrounding Countries

This advisory outlines information regarding travel and other restrictions that have been imposed as a result of the outbreak of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The Ministry advises Bahamian nationals to avoid all travel to:

  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • South Sudan
  • Uganda

The Ministry advises Bahamian nationals to exercise a high degree of caution when travelling to:

  • Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Angola, Central African Republic, Ethiopia, and Zambia.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola has no approved vaccines or specific antiviral treatments. Travellers should closely monitor official announcements from the WHO regarding the epidemic of Ebola Bundibugyo virus.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises all Bahamian nationals travelling to or residing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda or South Sudan to exercise heightened caution due to the outbreak of Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) in Ituri, Nord-Kivu (North Kivu), and Sud-Kivu (South Kivu). BVD is a type of Ebola disease (a viral hemorrhagic fever) caused by infection with the Bundibugyo virus.

Bahamian nationals who have been present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda or South Sudan within twenty-one (21) days of arrival in The Bahamas, shall be subject to enhanced public health screening. Based on the results of the screening isolation and/or quarantine may become necessary. Bahamian nationals who fall under this category should re-enter The Bahamas through the Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA), Nassau, New Providence.

Foreign nationals who have been present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda or South Sudan within thirty (30) days of arrival in The Bahamas, may be subject to enhancing public health screening and possible quarantine or isolation measures.

If you are unsure of who to contact, and have additional consular or health questions please email consularcrisis@bahamas.gov.bs copying in lhrnfp@bahamas.gov.bs.

 

Last updated 26 May 2026