CDC Gains Power to Block Travelers From Select Nations
Published Date: 5/27/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting May 22, 2026, the CDC can temporarily stop people from certain countries from entering the U.S. to protect public health. This new rule affects travelers and border officials and stays in effect for up to six months unless extended or ended sooner. The CDC wants your feedback by June 26, 2026, so jump in and share your thoughts!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Lawful permanent residents may be barred
The interim final rule applies to lawful permanent residents (green card holders), meaning the CDC Director may prohibit their entry from designated countries when needed for public health starting May 22, 2026. The rule gives the Director discretion to suspend entry of such covered aliens rather than automatically banning all individuals.
CDC can suspend foreign entry
Starting May 22, 2026, the CDC can temporarily suspend the introduction of persons from designated foreign countries or places in the interest of public health. The suspension authority can remain in effect for up to six months from publication or end earlier if the HHS Secretary decides.
Targets travelers from DRC, Uganda, South Sudan
The rule was issued as part of the response to the 2026 Ebola outbreak and can be used to suspend introduction of persons who originate from or recently traveled through the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan. The CDC has cited the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in those three countries as the basis for needing this mechanism.
U.S. citizens are exempt
This rule does not apply to U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals; they retain the constitutional right to enter the United States. The exemption is stated explicitly in the amended 42 CFR 71.40(f).
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