top of page

The United States has reportedly asked Belgium to restrict entry for travelers from the Democratic Republic of Congo as Washington pushes for tighter Ebola-related border measures in Europe, according to 7sur7.


Belgian media outlets De Morgen and Het Laatste Nieuws reported that the request was sent last week by U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Bill White. The appeal reportedly forms part of a wider U.S. effort to encourage European countries to adopt restrictions similar to measures already introduced in North America.


The push comes as the World Health Organization continues to support Ebola response operations in the DRC and Uganda, where the Bundibugyo strain was confirmed in May 2026. WHO has emphasized surveillance, contact tracing, clinical preparedness and cross-border coordination.


The U.S. State Department has already introduced enhanced screening rules for U.S. citizens and nationals who were recently present in the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan. The CDC also says the current risk to the American public remains low, with no U.S. cases confirmed from this outbreak.


Belgium, however, reportedly does not plan to change its current policy and is continuing to follow WHO recommendations. The reported disagreement highlights a widening debate over how far governments should go in using border controls during international disease outbreaks.


The issue is also gaining urgency ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, with U.S. officials concerned about transit routes through Europe for travelers moving between Africa and the United States.

HEALTH NEWS

US Urges Belgium to Restrict DRC Travelers Over Ebola

 Serge Kitoko Tshibanda

By

 Serge Kitoko Tshibanda

Political Analyst

Jun 11, 2026

Jun 11, 2026

2 min read

The U.S. has reportedly asked Belgium to restrict DRC travelers amid Ebola concerns, but Brussels is sticking with WHO advice.

Published

Updated:

The United States has reportedly asked Belgium to restrict entry for travelers from the Democratic Republic of Congo as Washington pushes for tighter Ebola-related border measures in Europe, according to 7sur7.


Belgian media outlets De Morgen and Het Laatste Nieuws reported that the request was sent last week by U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Bill White. The appeal reportedly forms part of a wider U.S. effort to encourage European countries to adopt restrictions similar to measures already introduced in North America.


The push comes as the World Health Organization continues to support Ebola response operations in the DRC and Uganda, where the Bundibugyo strain was confirmed in May 2026. WHO has emphasized surveillance, contact tracing, clinical preparedness and cross-border coordination.

ADVERTISEMENT

The U.S. State Department has already introduced enhanced screening rules for U.S. citizens and nationals who were recently present in the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan. The CDC also says the current risk to the American public remains low, with no U.S. cases confirmed from this outbreak.


Belgium, however, reportedly does not plan to change its current policy and is continuing to follow WHO recommendations. The reported disagreement highlights a widening debate over how far governments should go in using border controls during international disease outbreaks.

ADVERTISEMENT

The issue is also gaining urgency ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, with U.S. officials concerned about transit routes through Europe for travelers moving between Africa and the United States.



Trending Now

DRC Urges Diaspora to Invest Skills and Capital at Home

Business & Investment

Tanzania’s Kaliua–Mpanda Rail Upgrade: Progress and Delivery

Transport and Logistics

Pick n Pay Results: Smaller Loss, but Turnaround Is Unfinished

Banking and Finance

DR Congo to Train Engineers for Future Battery Industry

Industry

Popular Today

Biography

Carla Jeffery Biography: Zombies Actress Dies at 33

Health News

US Urges Belgium to Restrict DRC Travelers Over Ebola

Health News

U.S. Moves to Support Americans Exposed to Ebola in DRC

Entertainment

Blaqbonez Explains Why He Can’t Commit to One Woman

Refugees and Migration

DRC-U.S. migrant deal heads into a broader next phase

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Related Articles

Image-place-holder_edited.png

Biography

Carla Jeffery Biography: Zombies Actress Dies at 33

The American actor built a two-decade career before becoming known worldwide as Bree in Zombies.

Image-place-holder_edited.png

Health News

US Urges Belgium to Restrict DRC Travelers Over Ebola

Belgium reportedly rejects the U.S. request and says it will follow WHO guidance.

Image-place-holder_edited.png

Health News

U.S. Moves to Support Americans Exposed to Ebola in DRC

Trump says he is concerned as DRC, Uganda intensify Ebola response

Image-place-holder_edited.png

Entertainment

Blaqbonez Explains Why He Can’t Commit to One Woman

Rapper cites demanding lifestyle and lack of genuine connections

Tags

USA

DR.Congo

DR Congo News

African Union

Health

bottom of page