The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a mandatory order requiring all air travelers, including crew members, to confirm they have not been in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) within the last 21 days. This directive applies to anyone flying into or connecting through the United States. The order officially took effect at 11:59 PM EST on November 3, 2026, targeting all flights departing for the US at or after that time.
CDC Ebola attestation requirements
The new rule is a direct response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in remote areas of the DRC. The 21-day window was selected because it represents the maximum incubation period for the disease. Under the order, being present in the DRC includes physically entering or traveling through the country by land, air, or sea. This restriction applies even if an individual does not leave the airport or aircraft during transit.
Travelers must sign an attestation prior to boarding. The clock for the 21-day period starts on the day the individual leaves the DRC. Day one is the first full day spent outside the country. Individuals impacted by this restriction are only permitted to enter the United States starting on day 22. Airlines are responsible for collecting and retaining these attestations for at least 42 days. The CDC retains the right to request these documents to assist with public health investigations if any Ebola cases are identified within the US.
Refusal to sign the document will result in denied boarding. Submitting false information is a prosecutable offense that can lead to fines. An authorized individual, such as a parent or guardian, may sign the attestation on behalf of each member of a travel party.
Airline implementation and duration
Airlines have discretion in how they implement the attestation process, meaning procedures will vary by carrier. Delta Air Lines allows travelers to complete the form during check-in via their app or website. Passengers also receive a link to the attestation in a check-in reminder sent 24 hours before departure. American Airlines offers similar digital options through its website and app, as well as at the airport or via a printable PDF. United Airlines limits the process to a confirmation step during check-in. JetBlue has streamlined the process for large groups, allowing one person to complete the form for multiple passengers under the same booking.
The current plan is for this order to remain in effect until December 18. The CDC may extend the order if the Ebola outbreak in the DRC worsens or continues. Despite the severity of these new restrictions, the CDC maintains that the overall risk to the American public and travelers remains low. The order was initially issued on October 2 and clarified on October 28 to explicitly include crew on deadhead status and cargo services.
Source: Simple Flying
