Travellers Can't Use Kenya for Quarantine or Obtain Ebola-Free Certificates

Kenya's health ministry has ruled out using the country as a quarantine hub for travellers heading to other destinations, an apparent reversal of plans to host a facility for United States citizens exposed to the Ebola virus. The statement was released after the country's last known Ebola patient was discharged.

Key facts

• Kenya will not detain travellers on its territory to meet entry requirements imposed by their destination countries.
• The health ministry will not issue quarantine certificates or Ebola-free certificates for travel purposes.
• The ministry says such requirements have no basis in the International Health Regulations.
• The decision follows the discharge of Kenya's last known Ebola patient.
• Kenya had been expected to host a quarantine facility for US citizens exposed to the Ebola virus.

What did Kenya decide?

Kenya's health ministry said travellers will not be held in Kenya to fulfil entry conditions set by the countries they are travelling to. It also said it will not provide quarantine or Ebola-free certificates for travel, arguing that demands for such documents have no basis in the International Health Regulations.

Who is affected?

The decision concerns travellers who transit through or stay in Kenya on their way to other countries, including US citizens who had been expected to use a quarantine facility in Kenya after exposure to the Ebola virus. The statement does not set out any new screening, testing or documentation rules for people entering Kenya itself.

Why is Kenya refusing?

The health ministry framed the issue as one of legal basis, saying quarantine and Ebola-free certificates demanded for travel purposes are not grounded in the International Health Regulations. The announcement came after the discharge of Kenya's last known Ebola patient.

What this means for travellers

Travellers should not expect Kenya to provide quarantine accommodation or issue Ebola-free paperwork to satisfy another country's entry requirements. Anyone whose destination country asks for such documents should check that country's own rules before travelling, since Kenya has said it will not supply them.

The statement does not include an effective date, and no further details about the previously planned facility for US citizens have been announced.