CDC Issues Foreign Quarantine Rule Expanding Entry Restrictions Authority

Key Point  

• A new rule published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention creates a formal process allowing the U.S. government to suspend entry from certain countries in response to communicable disease threats, including the current Ebola outbreak. 

Foreign Quarantine Rule 

On May 27, 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published an interim final rule updating its foreign quarantine regulations. 

The rule establishes a formal framework for suspending the entry of individuals into the U.S. from designated countries or regions when necessary to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. 

Importantly, the rule does not automatically impose restrictions, but provides the authority and process for doing so when public health conditions require.

For more information on related regional impacts, including the temporary pause of U.S. visa services in South Sudan, the DRC and Uganda, read our full alert.

Timeline 

• Effective date: May 22, 2026 
• Comment deadline: June 26, 2026 
• Expiration: Up to six months, unless extended or terminated earlier 

What’s Driving This Change 

The rule was issued in response to a 2026 Ebola outbreak affecting: 

• Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) 
• Uganda 
• At-risk neighboring regions, including South Sudan 

Key concerns cited by CDC include: 

• Cross-border spread and global travel risks 
• The disease’s two to 21-day incubation period allows asymptomatic travel 
• No widely available vaccine or targeted treatment for this strain 

Key Changes 

Expanded Authority to Restrict Entry 

The rule allows HHS, through the CDC, to suspend entry into the U.S. from designated countries or travel routes when needed to protect public health. 

• Applies to noncitizens and may include lawful permanent residents (LPRs) 
• Does not apply to U.S. citizens or nationals 

Formalized Process 

The rule creates a structured mechanism to: 

• Identify affected countries or regions 
• Issue suspension orders 
• Coordinate with DHS and the Department of State 

Applies to Travel Patterns 

Restrictions may apply to individuals who: 

• Originating from affected countries, or 
• Have recently traveled through impacted regions or transit hubs 

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