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Thailand Steps Up Ebola Screening: What Travellers Need to Know
Thailand has introduced new health screening and quarantine measures following the World Health Organization's declaration of a Bundibugyo ebolavirus (BVD) outbreak in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. As of late May 2026, ten travellers arriving from the affected countries have already been screened at Thai airports, and strict monitoring protocols are now in place for anyone travelling from those regions.
The Outbreak
On 17 May 2026, the WHO declared the Bundibugyo ebolavirus (BVD) outbreak in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). DDC Director-General Montien Kanasawat noted that the situation in the DRC had worsened, prompting multiple countries, including Thailand, to increase surveillance of arriving travellers. There is currently no officially approved vaccine or treatment for this strain of the virus.
What Thailand Is Doing
Thailand's Department of Disease Control (DDC) submitted proposed guidelines on isolation, quarantine, and traveller monitoring to the academic committee under the Communicable Disease Act on 22 May 2026. Four key measures were approved:
- Asymptomatic travellers arriving from or transiting through Uganda must undergo close observation and report regularly to disease control officers for a minimum of 21 days.
- Asymptomatic travellers arriving from or transiting through the DRC face stricter rules, with mandatory quarantine at a designated facility for a minimum of 21 days.
- Any traveller from either country who meets the Ebola case definition will be isolated at a designated healthcare facility.
- The DDC will continue to reassess and adjust these measures as the situation develops.
As of 22 May 2026, ten travellers had been screened on arrival in Thailand, eight from Uganda and two from the DRC. All ten showed no symptoms and were placed under 21-day observation. The DDC is also in talks with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to further tighten border controls.
If You Are Travelling From Affected Areas
If you are arriving in Thailand from Uganda or the DRC, expect health screening at the airport and be aware that you will face either close monitoring or mandatory quarantine for at least 21 days, depending on which country you are coming from. If you develop any symptoms after returning from either country, seek medical attention immediately. Thai nationals are advised to avoid non-essential travel to Uganda and the DRC.
Information sourced from Bangkok Post.