Warning for Aussie travellers heading to popular holiday spot in Asia

Travellers heading to Thailand have been warned of new entry rules now in place in response to the current Ebola outbreak.

The World Health Organization declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo a “public health emergency of international concern” and said there was a high risk it could spread to neighbouring countries.

The decision has prompted governments around the world to step up travel-related containment measures.

Now, Thailand has introduced new screening measures that could impact visiting Australians.

“If you’ve stayed in or transited through Ebola disease-affected countries, you’ll be subject to health screening and quarantine requirements on arrival,” the latest update on Smartraveller reads.

Ebola disease-affected countries currently include the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

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Aussie tourists hit with new restrictions for holiday hotspot

Travellers may be required to quarantine or self-isolate for at least 21 days.

For more information, contact Thailand’s Department of Disease Control hotline on 1422, Smartraveller said.

Thailand’s Public Health Ministry said that from May 27 onwards passengers arriving from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda would also only be allowed to enter the country through Suvarnabhumi Airport.

More countries tighten restrictions

In May, the US banned non-citizens who had travelled to the ‌DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan in recent weeks from entering the United States.

On May 22, the ban was extended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to green card holders who had been in those countries in the previous 21 days.

The Canadian government said on May 26 that residents from the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan would be banned from entering ​Canada for 90 days starting May 27.

India has also launched screening and surveillance measures at airports ​and other entry points.

- with Reuters