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 Kenyans.co.ke, come as Kenya’s confirmed Ebola cases rose to seven, including one death, following four new infections 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.
An image showing individuals getting screened at a checkpoint in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
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EAC
“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.
The Ministry of Health of Tanzania requires incoming travelers to complete an online health declaration before departure or upon arrival, providing accurate details and retaining a QR code or reference number for verification.
The Ministry will also screen passengers at airports, land borders, and seaports, including temperature checks, with anyone showing possible symptoms referred for assessment under national health procedures.
Sources confirmed to Kenyans.co.ke that on Saturday evening, Kenya-Tanzania borders of Namanga, Isebania, and Linga Lunga were additionally checking the travel history of travellers coming to and from Tanzania.
Travelers are also mandated to follow mandatory infection prevention measures, including hand hygiene and sanitiser use, while vehicles or other conveyances suspected of contamination may be disinfected at entry points.
Besides Tanzania, Canada has cautioned its citizens travelling to Kenya to exercise a high degree of caution, while Malaysia issued a health advisory for its nationals living in or visiting the country as of the end of September.
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 spread across borders.
Kenya’s Ministry of Health has intensified Ebola screening at airports, land borders and other entry points, with authorities reportedly screening over 665,000 travelers nationwide.
At Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), passengers arriving from high-risk countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, 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.
Meanwhile, even as Kenya is experiencing rising cases of Ebola, the Ministry, through a statement on Saturday, urged citizens to remain calm, stay vigilant and follow official health updates as authorities continue monitoring the outbreak.
“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 clarified.
Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected or deceased person, not through the air. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, unusual tiredness, muscle pain, vomiting, or diarrhea should seek immediate medical attention or call the MoH toll-free line 719 for guidance.
A photo collage of the main entrance of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and a sign of Ebola, October 6, 2026.
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Kenyans.co.ke