FIFA World Cup host countries release Ebola-related travel measures ahead of next month's tournament
Canada has banned travelers from the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan from entering the country for 90 days and the U.S. has banned non-citizens who traveled to the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan in recent weeks from entering the country.
The United States, Canada and Mexico released a joint statement on public health travel measures Thursday for people traveling to the FIFA World Cup next month from parts of Africa that are at greatest risk from Ebola.
The guidance comes after a U.S-based health aid organization warned this week that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda is spreading faster than responders can contain it.
“This coordinated approach aims to protect our citizens and the millions of visitors, fans, athletes, and tourists expected during the FIFA World Cup 2026, while maintaining travel and commerce across our borders,” the nations said in a joint statement. “The health and safety of every person in the region remains our highest priority as we welcome the world to North America.”
The statement did not detail what the travel measures were, but Canada has banned travelers from the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan from entering the country for 90 days and the U.S. has banned non-citizens who traveled to the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan in recent weeks from entering the country.
Mexico has urged the public to avoid traveling to the DRC and asked arrivals from the country to observe a 21-day quarantine, according to Reuters.
The FIFA World Cup will begin in Mexico City on June 11 and will run through July 19. The U.S., Canada and Mexico are all expected to host matches.
Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.