DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — Tanzania has introduced mandatory health declarations, border screening and 21-day monitoring for high-risk travellers following an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and a rise in confirmed cases in neighbouring Kenya.
The measures, which took effect on Saturday, October 17, require all travellers entering Tanzania to complete an electronic health declaration and undergo screening at airports, land border crossings and seaports.
Under Travel Advisory No. 18, issued by Tanzania’s Ministry of Health, travellers considered at high risk of Ebola infection will be monitored daily for 21 days through automated messages or other communication channels.
The advisory was signed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Grace E. Maghembe, and cites the outbreak in the DRC and the recent case in Kenya involving a patient who travelled from the DRC.
“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.
The measures strengthen surveillance and early detection at points of entry but do not amount to a blanket ban on international travel.
Health declarations and screening made mandatory
Under the new requirements, incoming travellers must complete an online health declaration before departure or upon arrival, provide accurate information and retain the QR code or reference number issued for verification by health officials.
Passengers will also undergo temperature checks and other screening procedures at airports, land borders and seaports.
Anyone suspected of having Ebola or another infectious disease will be referred for further assessment and managed in accordance with Tanzania’s national health guidelines.
Travellers who develop symptoms or suspect possible exposure have been advised to report to the nearest health facility or notify officials at a point of entry.
The advisory also directs those classified as high-risk to cooperate with daily follow-up and respond to monitoring messages throughout the 21-day period, including after leaving Tanzania.
The ministry has further called for strict adherence to infection prevention measures, including regular handwashing, the use of hand sanitiser and avoiding unnecessary physical contact.
Vehicles or other conveyances associated with suspected infectious disease exposure may be disinfected at designated border health facilities.
Kenya-Tanzania border checks intensified
The new measures come as Kenya strengthens its own Ebola surveillance following confirmation of seven cases of Bundibugyo virus disease, including one death, by October 17.
Sources told Vivid Voice News that additional checks were being conducted on Saturday evening at the Kenya-Tanzania border crossings of Namanga, Isebania and Lunga Lunga, with officers checking travellers’ movements and travel histories.
The reports could not be independently verified at the time of publication.
Kenya has also intensified screening at airports and other entry points. At Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), sources told Vivid Voice News that passengers arriving from designated high-risk countries were being directed through Gate 16 for screening.
The reported procedures include temperature checks using infrared thermometers, verification of health declarations and QR codes, and reviews of travel histories covering the preceding 21 days. The Ministry of Health had earlier reported screening more than 652,000 travellers nationwide by October 7.
The enhanced checks follow the arrival in Nairobi of Kenya’s first confirmed patient, who had travelled from the DRC through Uganda. The patient died on October 5, and subsequent infections among close contacts and health workers brought Kenya’s total to seven.
By October 17, health authorities had traced 128 of 130 identified contacts, with efforts continuing to locate the remaining two. The four latest cases were already in quarantine when they tested positive.
International concern grows over cross-border spread
Tanzania’s measures reflect growing concern among regional and international health authorities about the risk of further cross-border transmission.
The DRC continues to battle a major outbreak of Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease. Kenya’s confirmed cases have prompted neighbouring countries and international missions to issue additional health guidance to travellers and residents.
On October 15, the High Commission of Malaysia in Nairobi issued a health advisory for Malaysian nationals living in or visiting Kenya. It urged them to maintain good hand hygiene, avoid direct contact with the blood or body fluids of anyone who is ill, monitor their health and seek prompt medical advice if symptoms develop.
Canada has also maintained temporary Ebola-related border measures for people who have visited or lived in the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan. Those measures concern entry into Canada and should not be interpreted as a Canadian travel ban on Kenya.
Kenya maintains normal travel and public gatherings
Despite the increase in cases, Kenya’s Ministry of Health said the country remained open, with no restrictions on travel, trade or public gatherings.
“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.
Also Read: Kenya rules out Ebola lockdown as cases rise to seven
The ministry has urged the public to rely on official updates and avoid spreading unverified information that could fuel unnecessary panic.
Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person, or someone who has died from the disease. It does not spread through the air.
Anyone experiencing possible symptoms, including fever, unusual tiredness, muscle pain, vomiting or diarrhoea, should seek medical attention promptly and inform health workers of any potential exposure or relevant travel history.
People in Kenya who need guidance can contact the Ministry of Health’s toll-free hotline on 719.
As Tanzania implements its new requirements, the effectiveness of the regional response will depend on timely detection, accurate travel information, coordinated contact tracing and compliance with health officials’ instructions.
