WASHINGTON, October 26, 2026 — Travellers flying to the United States will face a new mandatory health-related declaration from November 3, following an order issued by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requiring passengers to confirm that they have not been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during the previous 21 days.
The requirement applies to international air passengers regardless of nationality or country of departure. It also covers travellers connecting through the United States on their way to another destination, adding a new step to the pre-boarding process.
The CDC issued the order on October 22, 2026, as part of measures intended to reduce the risk of Ebola being introduced into the United States through international air travel.
When Does the New Rule Take Effect?
The requirement takes effect on November 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. This corresponds to November 4 at 5:59 a.m. in mainland France.
The rule applies to flights departing from foreign countries for the United States at or after the specified effective time. Travellers should check with their airline to determine how the declaration will be collected during check-in or boarding.
The measure applies to international air travel, including commercial flights and private aircraft. It does not apply to arrivals by land or sea under this particular order.
Who Must Complete the Declaration?
The requirement covers all passengers boarding an international flight to the United States unless they have an exemption issued by the US government.
- US citizens and US nationals.
- US lawful permanent residents, including Green Card holders.
- Foreign tourists and business travellers.
- Passengers connecting through a US airport before continuing to another country.
- Passengers departing from any foreign country, regardless of whether they have recently visited Africa.
Even travellers who have never visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo must complete the declaration. They are required to confirm that the information is true rather than provide a medical test result or vaccination certificate.
What Does the 21-Day Rule Mean?
The declaration concerns whether a passenger has been physically present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the 21 days before boarding a flight to the United States.
Under the CDC instructions, presence in the country includes a transit through a Congolese airport, even if the traveller did not leave the aircraft or airport. Simply flying over the country without landing does not count as being present there for this requirement.
Passengers who have been in the DRC during the relevant period cannot truthfully sign a declaration stating that they have not been there. The CDC's separate travel restrictions and any applicable exemptions must also be considered.
The 21-day period reflects the maximum incubation period used for this Ebola-related public health measure. It is not simply a waiting period that passengers can bypass by completing the form.
Paper or Digital Form: How Will It Work?
The declaration can be completed on paper or electronically. Airlines and aircraft operators are responsible for collecting a completed and signed declaration from each passenger before boarding and retaining it for at least 42 days after the flight arrives in the United States.
Airlines may integrate the process into their online check-in systems or reservation applications. However, the exact process may differ between carriers, so passengers should follow the instructions provided by their airline.
Each passenger needs an individual declaration. A single form cannot cover an entire family or travelling group.
For children under 18, a parent, guardian or other authorised person must complete and sign the declaration on the child's behalf. An authorised representative may also sign for a passenger who is unable to do so because of a disability.
What Happens If a Passenger Does Not Sign?
Airlines must refuse boarding to passengers who do not provide the required declaration, unless an applicable government exemption has been granted.
Passengers must answer truthfully. Knowingly and deliberately submitting false or misleading information may expose an individual to criminal penalties under US law.
The new declaration is an additional requirement. It does not replace an ESTA authorisation, a visa or any other entry documentation that may be required for travel to the United States.
How Long Will the Measure Remain in Place?
The order is scheduled to remain in effect until it is withdrawn or modified, or until December 18, 2026, at the latest, unless extended under the applicable procedures.
Travellers planning flights during November and December should check for updates before departure, as public health requirements can change in response to developments in an outbreak.
What Travellers Should Do Before Flying
- Check with the airline whether the declaration must be completed online or at the airport.
- Answer the question about recent presence in the DRC accurately.
- Complete a separate declaration for each passenger, including children through an authorised adult.
- Allow enough time for any additional check-in or boarding procedures.
- Continue to meet all existing visa, ESTA and entry requirements.
- Consult official CDC guidance for the latest rules and any exemptions.
Official Sources
- CDC — Official Passenger Attestation Order and Travel FAQs
- Reuters — Report on the new US passenger declaration
- Ouest-France — Explanation of the new requirement for travellers
Flight Travel News | Information based on the CDC order issued October 22, 2026. Travellers should consult the official CDC guidance and their airline before departure because requirements may change.
