Rwanda Tightens Ebola Prevention Measures Amid DRC Outbreak

The Government of Rwanda has introduced stronger Ebola prevention measures, including stricter border screening and new travel restrictions for individuals arriving from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

In a notice released on May 22, 2026, the Ministry of Health confirmed that Rwanda has not recorded any Ebola cases so far. However, authorities said they are reinforcing preparedness, surveillance, and rapid response systems to prevent any possible importation of the virus.

Health screening and monitoring have been intensified at land border crossings with the DRC, while additional entry controls have also been put in place at Kigali International Airport for incoming travellers.

Under the new measures, all foreign nationals who have travelled to or transited through the DRC within 30 days before planned travel to Rwanda will be denied entry with immediate effect.

Rwandan citizens and foreign residents with valid permits will still be allowed into the country, but those who recently travelled through the DRC will be subjected to mandatory quarantine.

“The Ministry of Health continues to closely monitor the Ebola outbreak reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo,” the statement noted.

Latest figures from health monitoring agencies indicate the outbreak in the DRC has recorded about 51 confirmed cases and around 148 deaths, with more than 500 suspected infections still under investigation.

The situation remains fluid as laboratory testing and contact tracing continue in affected areas, especially in Ituri Province.

The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak an international emergency after an American doctor who treated patients in the DRC tested positive for the disease and was later airlifted to Europe for treatment.