Ebola Outbreak in Uganda and DRC: Is It Safe to Travel to Kenya and Tanzania? (2026 Update – 11 June 2026)
The ongoing Ebola outbreak in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has raised concerns among travellers planning an East Africa safari. Many tourists are now searching for updated information on travel safety in Kenya and Tanzania amid Ebola in East Africa.
As of 11 June 2026, the Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak remains concentrated in parts of Uganda and eastern DRC, while Kenya and Tanzania remain open and unaffected outbreak countries, with only precautionary health screening measures in place.
Current Ebola Situation in Uganda and the DRC (2026 Update)
The latest Ebola outbreak in Central and East Africa continues to be monitored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and regional health authorities.
Key developments include:
- Ongoing confirmed Ebola cases in eastern DRC, particularly in Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces
- Reported Ebola cases in Uganda, mainly linked to cross-border transmission risks
- Active contact tracing, isolation units, and outbreak control measures in both countries
- Continuous international health monitoring due to the risk of regional spread
The WHO classifies the situation as a serious public health concern, but not a global travel shutdown.
Is It Safe to Travel to Kenya and Tanzania During the Ebola Outbreak?
✔ Kenya Travel Safety Amid Ebola (2026)
Kenya is safe for tourism and safari travel, including major destinations such as:
- 马赛马拉国家保护区
- 安博塞利国家公园
- 内罗毕
- Mombasa and Diani Beach
There are no Ebola cases in Kenya, and the country is not part of the outbreak zone. However, Kenya has introduced:
- Enhanced Ebola screening at airports and border points
- Health declaration forms for arriving passengers
- Increased surveillance for travellers from high-risk regions
Kenya remains one of the top East Africa safari destinations in 2026 and continues normal tourism operations.
✔ Tanzania Travel Safety Amid Ebola (2026)
Tanzania remains open and safe for international tourists, with no reported Ebola cases.
Popular travel destinations include:
- 塞伦盖蒂国家公园
- 恩戈罗恩戈罗火山口
- Zanzibar Island
- 乞力马扎罗山
Precautionary measures in Tanzania include:
- Airport health screening and temperature checks
- Increased monitoring at entry points
- Strengthened public health surveillance systems
Tanzania continues to welcome travellers for safaris, beach holidays, and wildlife tours.
Ebola Travel Risk for Tourists in East Africa
这 risk of Ebola infection for tourists in Kenya and Tanzania remains very low.
Ebola is transmitted through:
- Direct contact with infected bodily fluids
- Not through casual contact, flights, or standard tourist activities
This means travellers on safaris, guided tours, and beach holidays are not at high risk, provided they avoid outbreak regions in Uganda and the DRC.
Travel Restrictions and Entry Requirements (East Africa 2026)
Due to the Ebola outbreak in Uganda and DRC, some regional and international measures include:
- Increased airport screening in East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda)
- Health monitoring for travellers arriving from outbreak countries
- Temporary visa or entry restrictions in select non-African countries for affected nationalities
- Enhanced WHO-supported surveillance across East African borders
Travellers should expect possible Ebola screening procedures at airports, especially in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam.
Ebola Travel Advice for Kenya and Tanzania Visitors
If you are planning an East Africa safari in 2026, follow these Ebola travel safety guidelines:
- Check WHO Ebola updates and government travel advisories before departure
- Avoid non-essential travel to Uganda and DRC outbreak regions
- Follow strict hand hygiene and sanitisation practices
- Complete all required health declaration and screening procedures
- Book with licensed safari operators in Kenya and Tanzania
Also ensure routine travel vaccinations, including yellow fever vaccination where required, are up to date.
Conclusion: Is East Africa Still Safe for Tourism in 2026?
Despite the Ebola outbreak in Uganda and the DRC, both Kenya and Tanzania remain safe and open for tourism in 2026.
The outbreak is:
- Geographically limited to specific regions in Uganda and eastern DRC
- Not affecting major safari destinations in Kenya or Tanzania
- Being closely managed through WHO-led regional health surveillance
For travellers searching “Is it safe to travel to Kenya and Tanzania during Ebola outbreak 2026?”, the answer is yes—with standard precautions and awareness of updated health screening measures.
