US Urges Belgium to Restrict DRC Travelers Over Ebola

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.