Mexico City — Mexican low-cost carrier Viva (formerly Viva Aerobus) has imposed a temporary ban on passengers arriving from three African countries affected by an Ebola outbreak, the airline announced Thursday.
The restriction, effective from May 28, 2026, applies to travelers who have visited Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, or South Sudan within the past 21 days. The measure will remain in place for 60 days, in line with guidelines from Mexican health and immigration authorities.
Exceptions are made for Mexican citizens and foreign residents with valid residency permits.
The move comes as Mexico, the United States, and FIFA heighten vigilance ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which kicks off in two weeks. The Democratic Republic of Congo, identified as the epicenter of the current Ebola outbreak, is scheduled to play three matches in the tournament: against Portugal in Houston on June 17, Colombia in Guadalajara on June 23, and Uzbekistan in Atlanta on June 27.
Officials noted that the Congolese national team players reside in Europe and will hold their pre-tournament camp in Belgium, posing no additional risk of contagion. The World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
