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Thailand Introduces Ebola Screening for Travellers from Risk Areas
Thailand has introduced Ebola screening measures at all international entry points following a WHO-declared Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) linked to the Bundibugyo virus strain. In place since 21 May 2026, the measures apply to anyone who has visited or transited through the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, or other areas with reported cross-border transmission within the 21 days before arriving in Thailand. While the situation has not been classified as a pandemic emergency, travellers from affected areas face registration requirements, arrival screening, and 21-day self-monitoring obligations.
Who Is Affected
The screening applies to travellers who have been in a risk area, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, or any country with reported cross-border transmission, within the 21 days before entering Thailand. This covers arrivals at all international airports, land border crossings, and seaports.
Registration Before You Travel
If you are a foreign national arriving from a risk area, you need to register through the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before travel. Thai nationals travelling from risk areas must register via the Thai Health Pass at airline check-in. All travellers from risk areas are also advised to carry a "Fit to Fly" medical certificate confirming they have no Ebola-compatible symptoms.
Airlines are required to screen passengers before departure and submit passenger information to Thai communicable disease control officers in advance.
What Happens on Arrival
At the border, you may go through a temperature check, symptom assessment, and travel history review. If you have no symptoms, you will not be placed in facility quarantine. However, all travellers arriving from risk areas must complete 21 days of self-monitoring and report their health status to Thai health officials daily.
If you arrive with symptoms such as high fever, vomiting, or diarrhoea, you will be referred to a hospital isolation unit for observation and laboratory testing.
Advice for Thai Nationals
Thai nationals currently in Thailand are advised to avoid non-essential travel to the DRC, Uganda, or other affected areas. Those already travelling abroad in these regions should register with the Royal Thai Embassy in their destination country.
How Long Will These Measures Last
The screening measures will remain in effect until the outbreak situation improves or until Thai authorities or the WHO announce changes. Travellers should keep an eye on updates from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Ministry of Public Health.
Need Help or More Information
For health-related questions, you can contact the Department of Disease Control hotline on 1422.
Information sourced from TAT News.