Mexico bars travelers from 3 African nations over Ebola fears ahead of World Cup

Mexico has imposed travel restrictions on travelers arriving from three African nations as a precaution against a possible Ebola outbreak, with the World Cup less than two weeks away. The move comes as the World Health Organization warns the situation in central Africa has become critical.

Here is what you need to know about the restrictions, the outbreak, and how it affects the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

Who is barred from entering Mexico?

International travelers who have been in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, or South Sudan within the last 21 days are currently barred from entering Mexico, according to Mexico News Daily. The restriction does not apply to Mexican citizens or holders of valid Mexican residency permits.

Health Minister David Kershenobich, speaking at President Claudia Sheinbaum's daily press conference, said Mexico would not impose a total entry ban but recommended that those who have been in or transited through these countries in the last three weeks reschedule their trips until the emergency is over. The restrictions are active for an initial 60 calendar days.

Ebola outbreak reaches emergency level

The World Health Organization declared the current Ebola outbreak in central Africa an international public health emergency late last month and has since raised the risk assessment to "very high" after registering 750 suspected cases. According to reports cited by Mexico News Daily from Infobae, BBC, and La Jornada, the virus has officially killed at least 40 people, though hundreds more deaths are suspected.

Ebola is transmitted through direct or indirect contact with blood, bodily fluids, or secretions from infected individuals. The disease causes severe hemorrhagic fever with a high fatality rate, making it one of the world's most dangerous pathogens.

What happens to travelers arriving from affected countries

Mexican nationals and legal residents arriving from Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, or South Sudan will not be turned away but will face strict monitoring. Authorities will collect data on their travel itinerary, documents, and planned place of stay, and will contact them every 24 hours to monitor for symptoms.

In the event of a suspected case of Ebola in Mexico, the individual will be admitted to the National Center for Research and Care of Burn Victims at the National Institute of Rehabilitation for evaluation and treatment. Mexico's Health Ministry has confirmed that no individuals with the disease have been identified in the country to date, but its most recent travel advisory raised the risk of contagion abroad to high.

World Cup implications

With the FIFA 2026 World Cup set to kick off in less than two weeks, Mexico is one of three host nations alongside the United States and Canada. The tournament is expected to draw millions of international visitors, raising the stakes for Mexico's containment strategy.

A notable development: the Democratic Republic of the Congo's national soccer team will still be permitted to participate in the World Cup. According to Mexico News Daily, their players reside in Europe and held their pre-tournament training camp in Belgium, meaning they have not been in the affected region during the 21-day window. The United States and Canada have announced stricter restrictions on travelers arriving from the three affected African countries.

President Sheinbaum's administration has been coordinating with international health authorities to ensure the World Cup proceeds safely without compromising public health.

Epidemiological alert system activated

Mexico's Health Ministry has issued a new epidemiological alert outlining specific actions to be taken for individuals who have been in areas with Ebola transmission or who have had contact with a confirmed case. The alert triggers monitoring for anyone presenting a sudden fever of 38.6 degrees Celsius or any of the principal symptoms associated with the disease.

The government has emphasized that the health infrastructure is prepared. The National Center for Research and Care of Burn Victims has been designated as the primary treatment facility, equipped with isolation capabilities and specialized medical personnel trained in handling highly infectious diseases.

Rosa Martinez, Global 1 News — Mexico