CDC Keeps Banning Travelers from Plague Zones—For Another Month!
Published Date: 9/16/2026
Notice
Summary
The CDC is keeping a rule that stops some people from entering the U.S. if they've been in countries with serious contagious diseases. This rule started on September 11, 2026, and will last until October 11, 2026, unless changed earlier. It helps protect public health by limiting disease spread, and the CDC is asking for public comments by October 1, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
30‑day entry suspension for recent travelers
CDC suspended the right to introduce certain non‑U.S. persons who departed from, or were present in, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda, or South Sudan within the last 21 days. The Order took effect at 5:00 p.m. EDT on September 11, 2026 and remains in effect through 4:59 p.m. EDT on October 11, 2026; it applies to flights departing after 4:59 p.m. EDT on September 11, 2026.
Lawful permanent residents included (no LPR exemption)
CDC's Amended Order and updates to 42 CFR 71.40(f) mean lawful permanent residents (LPRs) who were present in DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan during the last 21 days are covered by the suspension and may be denied entry. The change removing an LPR exemption was reflected in rule updates cited at 91 FR 31362 (May 27, 2026) and in the May 22, 2026 Amended Order.
Airside transit still counts as 'presence'
CDC declined to categorically exclude travelers whose only activity in a covered country was airside international airport transit; such transit may be treated as being 'present' in the country for the 21‑day rule. CDC noted airport transit can vary in duration and activity, so airside transit passengers remain potentially covered.
Narrow exceptions and provisional entry pathways
The Order excludes U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals, members of U.S. armed forces and associated personnel (with assurances), and certain U.S. government personnel and their families. Customs officers may except individuals with supervisor approval for humanitarian, public health, or other significant reasons, and CDC may provisionally grant exceptions that are later confirmed by a public health assessment and mitigation protocols.
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