Countries tighten travel rules as Ebola risk rises

July 14: The World Health Organization on May 17 declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) a Public Health Emergency of International Concern and said there was a high risk it could spread toneighbouring countries.

The decision has prompted governments to step up travel-related containment measures. Here is a list of screening steps and travel restrictions announced by different countries and measures by airlines.

US: The US on July 13 said it was blocking American citizens in the DRC from returning to the United States on commercial flights, placing recent travellers on a "do-not-board" list until they have spent at least 21 days in a third country.

Washington has also banned non-citizens who had travelled to the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan from entering the country.

Canada: The Canadian government said on May 26 that residents from the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan would be banned from entering Canada for 90 days starting May 27.

Jordan: The Jordanian government on May 19 suspended the entry of travellers arriving from the DRC and Uganda, according to the Jordanian state agency.

Bahrain: Bahrain said on May 19 it was suspending for 30 days the entry of foreign travellers arriving from South Sudan, the DRC and Uganda.

India: India has launched screening and surveillance measures at airports and other entry points, issued advisories on precautions, and urged citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan.

Thailand: Thailand's Public Health Ministry said that from May 27 onwards passengers arriving from the DRC and Uganda would only be allowed to enter the country through Suvarnabhumi Airport, where they will undergo screening.`    �" REUTERS