The Trump administration has placed Americans in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on a "do-not-board" list, preventing their return to the US due to the ongoing Ebola outbreak. Individuals currently in the DRC or those who have recently traveled there must spend 21 days in a third country before they can re-enter the United States. This order, issued under Title 49, has already affected approximately two dozen Americans scheduled to fly home.

This restriction adds to the existing, stringent travel limitations imposed by the administration to curb the spread of Ebola. Health experts have voiced criticism, stating that such measures historically prove ineffective and detrimental. They argue that stringent restrictions can discourage transparency about outbreaks, negatively impact economies, and create stigma. Concerns also exist about potential limitations on humanitarian aid workers.

Ebola's transmission is primarily through direct contact with bodily fluids of symptomatic individuals or the deceased. It is not a highly contagious respiratory virus, distinguishing it from diseases spread easily in transit. The disease typically spreads among family members, caregivers, and healthcare professionals who have close contact with severely ill patients.