Policy

Global Cruise Travel Advisories Tighten Amidst Hondius Andes Hantavirus Event

International health and maritime agencies, alongside individual nations, have updated travel guidance for cruise passengers in response to the ongoing hantavirus outbreak originating from the MV Hondius Andes.

HCD

Hantavirus Cruise Desk

Outbreak Tracking Team · September 28, 2026 · 5 min read

Global Cruise Travel Advisories Tighten Amidst Hondius Andes Hantavirus Event

International Bodies Issue Coordinated Guidance

As of September 28, 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO), in coordination with regional public health bodies such as the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), has reiterated its guidance for international travel, with specific considerations for cruise ship operations. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has also engaged with member states to ensure consistent application of health protocols onboard vessels. Public health agencies continue to advise travelers to consult official government health websites for the latest country-specific entry requirements and recommendations before embarking on any cruise journey. The focus remains on strong pre-boarding health screenings, enhanced sanitation protocols onboard, and clear communication channels for reporting potential illness. The WHO emphasizes the importance of adherence to national health regulations, which may vary bigly between jurisdictions.

United States Issues Tiered Advisory for Cruise Travel

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) has maintained a tiered advisory system for cruise travel, updated most recently on September 25, 2026. While the US CDC has not issued a blanket 'Do Not Travel' advisory for all cruise operations, it continues to recommend that individuals at higher risk of severe illness, including older adults and those with underlying medical conditions, exercise increased caution when considering cruise travel. Specific guidance includes recommendations for pre-travel testing for certain pathogens and ensuring comprehensive travel insurance. For cruise ships operating within or arriving at U.S. Ports, the US CDC's framework includes requirements for reporting illness, maintaining strong ventilation systems, and implementing isolation and quarantine procedures as necessary. Travelers returning to the U.S. From international cruise itineraries, particularly those that have called at ports affected by the Hondius Andes incident, may be subject to enhanced health screenings upon re-entry.

European Union States Implement Harmonized, Yet Varied, Controls

Member states of the European Union, guided by ECDC recommendations, have largely adopted harmonized approaches to cruise travel, though national implementation varies. Many EU nations require passengers to complete health declarations before boarding and may conduct temperature checks at embarkation points. Some countries have imposed temporary restrictions on port calls for vessels that have recently visited locations with heightened hantavirus activity, or that have had suspected cases onboard. The ECDC's advisories, last updated on September 22, 2026, stress the importance of individual traveler responsibility, advising passengers to monitor for symptoms for a period after disembarkation and to adhere to local public health directives. Specific national requirements, such as mandatory testing or proof of vaccination for certain diseases, remain at the discretion of individual member states and should be verified directly with respective government authorities.

Africa CDC Monitors Regional Impact, Strengthens Port Health

The Africa CDC has been actively monitoring the situation, particularly given the MV Hondius Andes' prolonged anchoring off Praia, Cape Verde. The organization has collaborated with affected nations to bolster port health surveillance and response capacities. As of September 27, 2026, the Africa CDC recommends enhanced vigilance for all maritime traffic in the West African region and has issued guidance to member states on managing potential health risks associated with returning travelers or cargo. Several African nations have implemented stricter entry protocols for cruise passengers, including health questionnaires and, in some instances, requirements for health certificates. The emphasis is on preventing secondary transmission and ensuring that healthcare systems are prepared to manage any potential imported cases. The Africa CDC continues to provide technical support and resources to its member states to reinforce public health measures at points of entry.

Asia-Pacific and Other Regions Adjust Policies

Across the Asia-Pacific region, many countries with bigly cruise tourism industries have as well adjusted their travel advisories.Nations like Australia and New Zealand. Not directly impacted by the Hondius Andes incident, have reinforced existing biosecurity measures and tightened health screening protocols for all incoming maritime traffic. South American countries with cruise ports are also reportedly reviewing their health regulations in light of global developments. The consensus across various regions is a heightened awareness of infectious disease transmission risks in congregate settings such as cruise ships. Authorities globally are urging cruise lines to maintain transparency regarding onboard health situations and to strictly adhere to international health regulations.

Advice for Travelers

Prospective cruise passengers are strongly advised to:

Consult Official Sources: Check the latest travel advisories from their national government, the specific cruise line. The destination country's health authorities immediately before booking and again before departure. * Understand Health Protocols: Familiarize themselves with the cruise line's and destination's health and safety protocols, including testing requirements, mask mandates, and isolation procedures. * Consider Travel Insurance: Ensure travel insurance policies cover potential disruptions, medical emergencies, and repatriation related to infectious diseases. * Monitor Health: Self-monitor for symptoms before, during, and after travel, and report any illness promptly to medical staff or local health authorities. While the maritime industry strives to resume normal operations, the Hondius Andes incident has underscored the critical need for strong, internationally coordinated public health measures in global travel.