Information for travellers due to the Ebola virus

The disease is rare, but can cause haemorrhagic fever with a high mortality rate. We have therefore issued advice for those planning to travel to DRC.

Travel to Democratic Republic of the Congo

If you will be travelling to DRC, it is important that you

• follow the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs’ recommendations for travelling to, or spending time in DRC. Further information is available on the Sweden Abroad website.
• find out whether there is an outbreak of Ebola virus in the parts of the country you plan to visit. Further information can be found, for example, on the WHO website
• follow the recommendations of local authorities
• avoid contact with people who have symptoms of Ebola virus disease (fever, vomiting, diarrhoea and bleeding). Also avoid bed linen, funeral shrouds and similar items that may have come into contact with body fluids
• in particular, avoid contact with fruit bats and their droppings, as well as close contact with other wildlife. Also avoid cooking and eating bushmeat
• Keep in mind that you may be temporarily denied exiting the country if you have developed symptoms of Ebola virus or any other infectious disease while abroad

Arriving to Sweden from Democratic Republic of the Congo

• After travelling in tropical areas, you should always contact your healthcare provider by calling call +46 771–117700 if you have a fever or other symptoms of an infection to rule out malaria and other tropical diseases. Be sure to let them know if you have travelled to areas where the Ebola virus is present so that test sample collection and examination can be performed safely. This is especially true if you suspect you have contracted the Ebola virus.
• If you are an aid worker, see our guide on Ebola and Marburg.