Tanzania has introduced mandatory 21-day health monitoring for high-risk travellers after the DRC outbreak and Kenya's rising Ebola cases. Kenya says it remains open, with no travel restrictions.
Tanzania has introduced mandatory health monitoring for travellers, tightening border checks following an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and rising cases in Kenya.
Under the new rules, high-risk travellers will undergo daily health monitoring for 21 days, with authorities checking their condition through automated messages and other communication channels. The measures, as seen by Don Sami Live, come as Kenya's confirmed Ebola cases rose to seven, including one death, after four new infections were reported on October 17.
"Following the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and a recent case in Kenya of a patient travelling from the DRC, the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania (URT) has expanded its public health requirements related to international travel for incoming travellers in line with the International Health Regulations (2005) as amended in 2024, and the Tanzania Public Health Act of 2009," the advisory stated in part.
"Mandatory follow-up through daily automated messages or other means of communication to monitor the health status of high-risk travelers for a period of 21 days, will be activated according to the National Entry and Exit Screening Standard Operating Procedures."
Tanzania's Ministry of Health requires incoming travellers to complete an online health declaration before departure or on arrival, giving accurate details and keeping a QR code or reference number for verification.
The Ministry will also screen passengers at airports, land borders and seaports, including temperature checks. Anyone showing possible symptoms will be referred for assessment under national health procedures. Travellers must also follow infection prevention measures such as hand hygiene and sanitiser use, and vehicles or other conveyances suspected of contamination may be disinfected at entry points.
Sources confirmed to Don Sami Live that on Saturday evening, the Kenya-Tanzania border points of Namanga, Isebania and Lunga Lunga were also checking the travel history of people crossing in both directions.
Beyond Tanzania, Canada has cautioned its citizens travelling to Kenya to exercise a high degree of caution. Malaysia has issued a health advisory for its nationals living in or visiting the country. Malaysia's notice followed Kenya's first reported Bundibugyo virus disease case on October 6, 2026, as international concern grew over the outbreak's potential to spread across borders.
Kenya's Ministry of Health has intensified Ebola screening at airports, land borders and other entry points, and has reportedly screened over 665,000 travellers nationwide. At Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), passengers arriving from high-risk countries, including the DRC, Ethiopia and Uganda, are reportedly routed through Gate 16 for screening.
Health officers use infrared thermometers to identify travellers with temperatures above 38°C, require online health declarations and QR codes, and review passengers' travel histories over 21 days.
"Kenya remains open, with no restrictions on travel, trade or public gatherings. Remain calm, stay vigilant and follow official Ministry of Health updates," Director General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth said.