The Government is urging nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to several high-risk countries in Africa.
The Ministry of Health issued an urgent preventative travel advisory on Wednesday, as part of ongoing efforts to manage public health borders and protect the safety of citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.
Authorities confirmed that the advisory follows concern over an active outbreak of Ebola virus disease, specifically the Ebola Bundibugyo strain, which has prompted heightened international monitoring.
The Ministry strongly advises all nationals of Trinidad and Tobago to avoid all travel to the following countries due to an active outbreak of the Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease:
- The Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Uganda
- South Sudan
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared this outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Additionally, the Ministry advises citizens to exercise very high caution when travelling to the following nine countries, which have been identified by the African CDC to be high risk for Ebola:
| Angola Burundi Central African Republic Republic of Congo Ethiopia | Kenya Rwanda Tanzania Zambia |
Mandatory Entry Protocols for Returning Citizens
To safeguard the public health of Trinidad and Tobago, strict border management measures have been implemented. Citizens and residents arriving in Trinidad and Tobago who have visited or transited through the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan will be subject to enhanced health screening upon arrival. Furthermore, these individuals will be subject to mandatory 21-day active monitoring protocols.
Depending on the results of the initial health screening, travelers may also be subject to immediate isolation or quarantine measures as directed by Port Health authorities.
Recommendations for Citizens
· Cancel or Postpone Travel: Re-evaluate all upcoming travel plans to the affected regions.
· Stay Informed: Monitor updates from the Ministry of Health, and the World Health Organization.
· Seek Medical Attention: If you are currently in an affected region or have recently returned and develop symptoms such as sudden onset of fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache, or sore throat, seek medical attention immediately and isolate yourself from others.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health, stating that it will continue to monitor the situation closely in coordination with international health agencies and update advisories as new information becomes available.