The measure issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will apply to all travelers flying to the United States, including those making connections at U.S. airports. Airlines will be required to verify an individual declaration regarding travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the 21 days prior to departure, as part of preventive measures against the Ebola outbreak.

The United States will introduce a new mandatory health requirement for all passengers arriving in the country by air from abroad, effective November 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. The measure, issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), aims to strengthen preventive controls in response to the Ebola outbreak in Africa.

The regulation applies to U.S. citizens, permanent residents and international visitors, regardless of nationality. It also includes passengers using U.S. airports solely for international connections, even when their final destination is another country.

The new document requires each passenger to declare that they have not been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during the 21 days preceding their flight. It is not a medical certificate or health examination, but an individual declaration concerning recent travel history.

How passengers will complete the requirement

Airlines will be responsible for implementing the procedure and verifying that all passengers have completed the declaration before being allowed to board. Each carrier may determine whether to use digital or paper forms and may incorporate the requirement into its check-in process or pre-departure boarding procedures.

The requirement also applies to children under 18. Their declarations may be signed by a parent, legal guardian or authorized representative. Although one person may complete the procedure on behalf of several family members, an individual record must exist for each traveler.

Passengers who fail to submit the declaration will not be allowed to board, unless they qualify for a specific exemption authorized by U.S. authorities.

What happens if a passenger has been to the Congo?

Under the regulation, anyone who has been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including passengers who only transited through an airport there, during the previous 21 days must wait until that period has elapsed before traveling to the United States.

The day of departure from the DRC is considered day zero. Therefore, passengers may board a flight to the United States starting on day 22, provided they meet all other applicable immigration and health requirements.

The measure applies exclusively to air transportation and does not establish the same declaration requirement for people entering the United States by land or sea.

Airlines raise concerns over implementation

The new requirement has raised concerns across the aviation industry. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Airlines for America have questioned the implementation timeline and the operational challenges airlines will face in adapting their reservation, check-in and boarding systems.

The organizations argue that the requirement involves technological and administrative changes at international airports, generating additional costs and leaving carriers with limited preparation time.

The order is initially scheduled to remain in effect until December 18, 2026, although it may be modified, lifted earlier or extended depending on the evolution of the outbreak.

International travelers are advised to contact their airlines in advance and check the CDC's official updates before arriving at the airport.