05/27/2026
You’re already juggling World Cup tickets, hotel check-in times, game-day transportation, and keeping everyone fed.
Then you see the headline: Enhanced Ebola screening at U.S. airports.
Your family’s flying into Atlanta in two weeks.
Now what?
Before you panic:
This does not affect most families traveling for the World Cup.
Enhanced screening is now at:
✈️ Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
✈️ George Bush Intercontinental Airport (Houston)
✈️ Washington Dulles International Airport
But it only applies to travelers entering the U.S. who were recently in: • Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Uganda
• South Sudan
Specifically, travelers in one of those countries within the previous 21 days.
What screening involves for affected travelers: • Brief travel and symptom questionnaire
• Non-contact temperature check
• Observation for signs of illness
• Possible public health follow-up if needed
For families flying into Atlanta, Houston, or Dulles from Europe, South America, or elsewhere for the World Cup?
You are not being tested for Ebola at the airport.
You may see screening stations set up. You may notice additional staff near arrivals.
But unless you were recently in Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan, this does not change your entry process.
The CDC reports: • No confirmed U.S. cases linked to this outbreak
• Risk to general U.S. public remains low
Here’s what I tell every family traveling during a public health event:
Don’t plan based on headlines. Check the actual requirement. Know who it applies to. Make decisions based on facts, not fear.
One more thing:
Build in extra buffer time at the airport anyway.
Not because of Ebola screening. Because international arrivals during major events are already congested.
The families who stress less don’t cut it close.
Save this if you’re traveling to the U.S. for the World Cup.
Comment WORLDCUP and let’s talk. ⚽
Sources: CDC and U.S. Department of State, accessed May 26, 2025.