The United States is introducing new travel requirements for all passengers and crew arriving by air from overseas, requiring them to declare whether they have visited the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during the 21 days before departure.
The measure, introduced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)is intended to strengthen precautions against the spread of Ebola following an outbreak in the DRC.
Under an order issued on October 22 and amended on October 28, all people boarding flights bound for the United States must sign an attestation confirming they have not been in the DRC during the previous 21 days.
The requirement also covers passengers transiting through a DRC airport, whether or not they leave the aircraft or airport transit area.
The rules took effect at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on November 3, 2026applying to flights departing foreign countries for the United States from that time onward.
The amended order clarifies that the requirement extends beyond passengers to include crew members on passenger and cargo aircraft. This includes operational crew and employees traveling in a deadhead capacity, meaning they are being transported without performing flight duties.
Airlines and aircraft operators must verify that everyone onboard has completed the declaration before or at boarding. Signatures can be provided on paper or electronically, including through an authenticated digital signature or an electronic checkbox.
Anyone who fails to provide the required attestation must be denied boarding unless they hold an exemption issued by the US government.
Carriers must also retain a copy of each completed declaration for at least 42 days after the aircraft arrives in the United States. Documents must be made available to US authorities upon request.
The CDC has provided downloadable forms in English, Spanish and French to help airlines implement the Ebola requirement. The order is also supported by an enforcement notice issued by the US Department of Transportation.
Despite the additional precautionary measures, the CDC says the overall risk to the American public and travelers remains low.
Source: travelmole.com
