New Health Requirement Imposed on All Incoming International Travelers to the U.S.

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has implemented a new health mandate requiring passengers on international flights bound for the U.S. to provide a signed declaration confirming they have not been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) within the 21 days prior to boarding.

Announced in the Federal Register on October 27, this regulation applies to flights departing after 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on November 3, 2026, regardless of the country of origin.

This requirement affects U.S. citizens, permanent residents, tourists, and other international travelers. It also includes those transiting through the U.S. en route to another destination, even if they do not plan to stay on American soil.

The Necessary Documentation for Travelers

Each traveler is required to fill out and sign an individual declaration affirming that they have not been in the DRC during the 21 days leading up to their flight to the United States.

The declaration can be submitted in either paper or digital format, including electronic signatures. Parents or authorized individuals can complete the form on behalf of minors under 18 or passengers unable to do so due to age or disability.

The CDC advises airlines to integrate this procedure into their electronic check-in systems. Passengers should confirm with their airline how to submit the declaration before boarding.

This order does not mandate Ebola testing or vaccination certificates as part of the new requirement. It also does not introduce a new visa category or replace standard immigration entry conditions into the U.S.

Implications for Recent Travelers to the Congo

The rule considers any stay or transit in the DRC, including layovers at Congolese airports, as presence in the country, even if the passenger does not disembark the aircraft. Overflights without landing do not count as presence.

The departure day from the DRC is counted as day zero. After spending a full 21 days outside the DRC, travelers may fly to the U.S. starting on day 22.

Airlines must prohibit boarding for passengers who fail to present the required declaration. They are also responsible for verifying that the declaration is complete and signed, retaining a copy for at least 42 days post-departure, and providing it to U.S. authorities upon request.

Deliberately providing false or misleading information can result in criminal penalties. The order also allows for delays or denial of boarding for those not complying with its terms.

There are exemptions authorized by the CDC for humanitarian reasons or significant government needs, including certain emergency medical evacuations. These permissions may be subject to additional conditions such as health monitoring post-arrival or quarantine measures.

An Effort to Curb Ebola Spread

This new requirement is a response to the Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. According to the federal order, as of October 18, 2026, the country reported 9,455 confirmed cases and 4,561 deaths across 66 health zones in eight provinces.

The CDC warns that the disease’s incubation period can be up to 21 days, allowing an infected person to travel before showing symptoms. Transmission mainly occurs through direct contact with the bodily fluids of symptomatic infected individuals or contaminated materials.

The health agency also highlights challenges in containing the outbreak due to insecurity in affected areas, limitations in epidemiological surveillance systems, and difficulties in tracking individuals who have been in contact with infected patients.

This order supplements other health measures previously announced and, according to the official summary in the Federal Register, will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. on December 18, 2026, unless modified or withdrawn earlier.