May 18, 2026

Dear travelers,

We would like to alert you to the following changes to our travel guidance due to the recently declared Ebola outbreak in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) by the World Health Organization (WHO).

On May 17, the WHO declared the outbreak in both Uganda and the DRC a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, and the U.S. Department of State elevated their travel advisory for Uganda from a Level 3 to a Level 4: Do Not Travel. On May 18, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and other federal agencies implemented enhanced travel screening, entry restrictions, and public health measures to prevent Ebola from entering the United States. Both Uganda and the DRC are now on the university’s Travel Suspension Conditions list. Any travel to a location on the Travel Suspension Conditions list requires a traveler to submit a Petition for Exception prior to travel. Petitions for Exceptions to travel to these locations will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed to be approved.

The U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Embassy in Kampala, and the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa are following the developments closely. If you have not already done so, it is strongly recommended that U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad enroll their trip(s) with the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Non-U.S. citizens should register with their country-specific program.

Your safety and well-being are of the utmost importance to us. It is essential that you stay informed and exercise caution. 

  • Always abide by the guidance and instructions given by local authorities, including your program coordinators, host institution, and local health agencies.
  • Exercise heightened situational awareness at all times. Review guidance on personal health and hygiene from local health agencies, the CDC, the WHO, and International SOS. More information about Ebola and general precautions can be found through the CDC and the WHO.
  • Monitor local media, International SOS advisories, and information from the CDC and the WHO for the most up-to-date health analysis, restrictions, and guidance.
  • Download the International SOS app to receive location-based travel alerts and gain quick access to travel assistance centers in an emergency.
  • If you need assistance at any time or have questions, please reach out to International SOS at 1-215-942-8478 or WashU PD Dispatch at 1-314-935-5555 and identify yourself as a WashU traveler abroad.
  • If you have specific health-related questions:
    • While abroad, please utilize BCBS Global Solutions at 1-610-254-5830.
    • Danforth Campus: All students, faculty, and staff can contact Habif Health and Wellness Center at 1-314-935-6677.
    • Medical Campus: All students can contact Student Health at 1-314-362-3528. All faculty and staff can contact Occupational Health at 1-314-362-3528.

As a reminder, the International Travel Policy requires all WashU travelers on university-sponsored or supported international trips to register your travel details in the WashU International Travel Registry. If you undertake personal travel during this time, you are welcome to register those trip details as well. This registry helps ensure the university can provide support where possible in the event of an emergency.

WashU remains strongly committed to supporting our travelers’ health, safety, and well-being, and the ITOC will continue to monitor public health conditions in the region closely. Please contact itoc@wustl.edu with any questions or concerns.

International Travel Oversight Committee (ITOC)