BASSETERRE, St Kitts and Nevis — Non-nationals who have visited or transited through six countries identified as high-risk areas for Ebola will be barred from entering St Kitts and Nevis under an updated travel advisory issued by the government.

The restrictions take immediate effect and apply to travellers who have visited the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, Kenya or Burundi within the 21 days before travelling to the Federation.

The restriction also covers non-national passengers transiting through any of the six countries, whether or not they disembark from the aircraft.

The government said the updated measures were based on guidance from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Citizens and nationals of St Kitts and Nevis are being advised to avoid non-essential travel to the listed countries.

Nationals returning to the Federation within 21 days of travelling from any of the six countries will face enhanced screening at ports of entry and must complete a 21-day period of self-quarantine.

The advisory will remain in effect until a significant change in the Ebola situation warrants its revision or withdrawal.

The Ministry of National Security is working with the Ministry of Health and regional and international partners to strengthen border surveillance and national preparedness.