The United States has announced a temporary suspension of all visa services at its diplomatic missions in three African nations – South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Uganda. This decisive action, effective May 18, 2026, comes as the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared the current Ebola outbreak in the region an international public health emergency.
Visa Services Paused for Public Health
US Embassies in Juba, South Sudan; Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo; and Kampala, Uganda, have ceased processing all categories of visas. This includes immigrant visas as well as nonimmigrant applications for tourists, business travelers, students, and exchange visitors. Affected applicants have received direct notifications regarding the pause, and the State Department's website will provide updates when scheduling opportunities resume.
A spokesperson for the State Department affirmed that the move is a direct consequence of the escalating Ebola crisis, emphasizing the US government's commitment to "ensuring that its visa process upholds the highest standards for US public health and safety." No new appointments for visa interviews can be scheduled at these locations at this time.
Broader US Response to the Outbreak
The visa suspensions are part of a wider array of measures implemented by the US government following the WHO's emergency declaration. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed that one American citizen working in the DRC tested positive for Ebola after exposure and is being transported to Germany for specialized treatment. Six additional individuals are also being evacuated for health monitoring.
Beyond the embassy closures, the CDC has imposed entry restrictions on non-US passport holders who have traveled to Uganda, the DRC, or South Sudan within the last 21 days. Enhanced screening procedures for air travelers originating from the affected regions are also in effect. The US State Department has allocated $13 million in aid to support immediate response efforts on the ground.
"At this time, CDC assesses the immediate risk to the general US public as low, but we will continue to evaluate the evolving situation and may adjust public health measures as additional information becomes available," stated the agency.
The Scale of the Ebola Emergency
The current Ebola outbreak, primarily impacting the Democratic Republic of Congo, has led to significant concern. According to figures from Congolese Health Minister Samuel-Roger Kamba, approximately 350 suspected cases have been reported, with 91 suspected deaths. A notable demographic trend shows that most affected individuals are between 20 and 39 years old, and over 60% are women.
Currently, there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment available for the particular strain of Ebola driving this outbreak. Public health experts, including Matthew Kavanagh, director of the Georgetown University Centre for Global Health Policy and Politics, have voiced criticism regarding the broader international response, with some describing travel bans as "more theatre than effective public health measures."
Visa Fee Validity and Rescheduling
For applicants whose visa appointments have been cancelled, the State Department has clarified that no refunds will be issued for application fees. However, nonimmigrant visa application fees remain valid for 365 days from the date of payment. This allows applicants ample time to reschedule their interviews once the temporary pause on services is lifted. The interview itself may occur beyond the 365-day period, provided the rescheduling is completed within that initial window. Existing valid visas are not affected by these new measures.