Potential Implications for Travel Because of
Ebola in Parts of West Africa
LAST UPDATED: AUGUST 28, 2014
The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens
to screening procedures, travel restrictions,
and reduced aviation transportation options
in response to the outbreak of Ebola Virus
Disease in Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, and
Sierra Leone.
This Travel Alert will expire on
February 27, 2015.

Due to an outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)
in the West African nations of Liberia, Guinea,
and Sierra Leone, the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) issued Level 3
Travel Warnings for those three countries
advising against non-essential travel and
provided guidance to reduce the potential for
spread of EVD. The CDC also issued a Level 2
Travel Alert for Nigeria to notify travelers of
the Ebola outbreak in that country. The Bureau
of Consular Affairs’ website prominently
features an Ebola Fact Sheet and links to the
CDC Health Travel Warnings, Travel Alert, and
general guidance about Ebola.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and CDC
have also published and provided interim
guidance to public health authorities, airlines,
and other partners in West Africa for
evaluating risk of exposure of persons coming
from countries affected by EVD. Measures can
include screening, medical evaluation,
movement restrictions up to 21 days, and
infection control precautions. Travelers who
exhibit symptoms indicative of possible Ebola
infection may be prevented from boarding and
restricted from traveling for the 21-day
period. Please note neither the Department of
State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs nor the U.S.
Embassy have authority over quarantine issues
and cannot prevent a U.S. citizen from being
quarantined should local health authorities
require it. For questions about quarantine,
please visit the CDC website that addresses
quarantine and isolation issues.

The cost for a medical evacuation is very
expensive. We encourage U.S. citizens
travelling to Ebola-affected countries to
purchase travel insurance that includes
medical evacuation for Ebola Virus Disease
(EVD). Policy holders should confirm the
availability of medical care and evacuation
services at their travel destinations prior to
travel.
Some local, regional, and international air
carriers have curtailed or temporarily
suspended service to or from Ebola-affected
countries. U.S. citizens planning travel to or
from these countries, in accordance with the
CDC Health Travel Warnings and Health Travel
Alert, should contact their airline to verify seat
availability, confirm departure schedules,
inquire about screening procedures, and be
aware of other airline options.
The Department is aware that some countries
have put in place procedures relating to the
travel of individuals from the affected
countries, including complete travel bans.
Changes to existing procedures may occur with
little or no notice. Please consult your airline
or the embassy of your destination country for
additional information.