[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 205 (Thursday, October 23, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 63313-63314]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-25358]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

19 CFR Part 122


Notice of Arrival Restrictions Applicable to Flights Carrying 
Persons Who Have Recently Traveled to, From, or Through Certain Ebola-
Stricken Countries

AGENCY: U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Department of Homeland 
Security.

ACTION: Notice of arrival restrictions.

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SUMMARY: This document announces the decision of the Commissioner of 
CBP to direct all flights to the U.S. carrying persons who have 
recently traveled to, from, or through Ebola-stricken countries to 
arrive at one of the U.S. airports where CBP is implementing enhanced 
screening procedures.

DATES: Effective October 21, 2014.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Francis Russo, Office of Field 
Operations, (202) 325-4835, [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 
the

[[Page 63314]]

current Ebola virus disease (Ebola) epidemic is the largest in history, 
affecting multiple countries in West Africa. Ebola, previously known as 
Ebola hemorrhagic fever, is a rare and deadly disease caused by 
infection with one of the Ebola virus strains. Ebola can cause disease 
in humans, nonhuman primates (monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees), and 
other animals. Ebola is caused by infection with a virus of the family 
Filoviridae, genus Ebolavirus. There are five identified Ebola virus 
species found in several African countries. The current outbreak is due 
to Ebola virus (Zaire ebolavirus) in Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia.
    In order to assist in preventing the further introduction and 
spread of this communicable disease in the United States, CBP, in 
coordination with other DHS components and offices, the CDC, and other 
agencies charged with protecting the homeland and the American public, 
is currently implementing enhanced screening protocols at five U.S. 
airports that receive the largest number of travelers from Liberia, 
Guinea, and Sierra Leone. To ensure that all travelers with recent 
travel to, from, or through the affected countries are screened, CBP 
directs all flights to the U.S. carrying such persons to arrive at the 
five airports where the enhanced screening procedures are being 
implemented. While CBP anticipates working with the air carriers in an 
endeavor to identify potential travelers from the affected countries 
prior to boarding, air carriers will remain obligated to comply with 
the requirement of this notice, particularly in the event that 
travelers who have recently traveled to, from, or through the affected 
countries are boarded on flights bound for the U.S.

Notice of Arrival Restrictions Applicable to Flights Carrying Persons 
Who Have Recently Traveled to, From, or Through Certain Ebola-Stricken 
Countries

    Pursuant to 19 U.S.C. 1433(c) and 19 CFR 122.32, CBP has the 
authority to limit the location where all aircraft entering the U.S. 
from abroad may land. Under this authority, I hereby direct all 
operators of aircraft carrying persons to the U.S. whose recent travel 
included Liberia, Guinea, or Sierra Leone to land at one of the 
following five airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), 
New York; Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), New Jersey; 
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Virginia; Chicago O'Hare 
International Airport (ORD), Illinois; and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta 
International Airport (ATL), Georgia. This list of affected countries 
and airports may be modified by an updated publication in the Federal 
Register or by posting an advisory to follow at www.cbp.gov. The 
restrictions will remain in effect until superseded, modified, or 
revoked by publication in the Federal Register or posting on 
www.cbp.gov.

    Dated: October 21, 2014.
R. Gil Kerlikowske,
Commissioner.
[FR Doc. 2014-25358 Filed 10-21-14; 4:15 pm]
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