ATTA® Updates Members on Ebola and impacts on Tourism
Using official sources and advisories,ATTA®, the African Travel and Tourism Association is providing members with daily updates and analysis on the current Ebola outbreak, declared on 15 May and originating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Virginia Messina, Group CEO of ATTA® said: “Established protocols are in place within countries bordering the DRC and as a result tourism operations and business trips across the wider African continent continue normally. As of 27 May, no other cases have been detected outside of Uganda and DRC. The risk to travellers on standard itineraries outside affected areas remains very low, and it’s important to highlight that Ebola is not easily transmitted through casual contact.
“However, travel rules and screening measures may change quickly. The WHO (World Health Organisation) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) are scaling up efforts to contain the virus but continue to advise against blanket travel restrictions and neither the UK, nor any European country has introduced entry bans.”
Uganda. Internationally recognised for its experience in managing Ebola outbreaks and other epidemics, Uganda’s tourism activities, national parks, hotels, conference venues and transport services continue to operate normally and Uganda remains safe, open and welcoming for tourism, business and investment and life continues normally. Visitors and tourism practitioners are encouraged to observe standard hygiene practices. Uganda Tourism Board statement can be found here
Rwanda. The Government of Rwanda announced on 22 May that any foreign national who has travelled to or transited through DRC in the last 30 days will be denied entry to Rwanda. Rwandan nationals and foreign residents with valid proof of residency are permitted entry but subject to mandatory quarantine if they have been in DRC within 30 days. Rwanda Development Board on X: “Public Notice: https://t.co/tBriMODdrx” / X
Kenya. Travellers arriving in Kenya, particularly those from Uganda, Ethiopia, and DRC, may be subject to enhanced health screening. Kenya’s Civil Aviation Authority has separately issued a mandatory circular (AIC 07/26) requiring airlines on flights from DRC or Uganda to provide passengers with an Electronic Traveller Surveillance Form before departure and to submit passenger manifests to Kenyan port health officers on arrival. Kenya travel advice – GOV.UK
Tanzania. The Government of Tanzania has activated public health measures at points of entry for incoming travellers.https://tatotz.org/health-surveillance-measures-to-safeguard-tourism/
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