October 30, 2026, 11:17 a.m. ET
- A new CDC rule requires travelers to the United States to certify that they have not been to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- The rule is a response to the second largest Ebola outbreak on record, which is occurring in the DRC.
- This requirement applies to almost all travelers, including U.S. citizens, and those who refuse to sign will be denied boarding.
There is a new rule for travelers traveling to the United States
Starting Tuesday, November 3, anyone boarding an international flight to the country will first have to certify that they have not been to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the previous 21 days.
The DRC is currently facing the second largest Ebola outbreak on record, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which issued the attestation order.
As of October 27, the CDC said more than 10,200 Ebola cases and nearly 5,000 deaths had been confirmed in the DRC.
So far, no similar cases have been reported in the United States, and the CDC says the likelihood of the virus spreading in the United States is low, but it’s not taking any chances.
The State Department also issued a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for the DRC, due to “health, crime, unrest, terrorism and kidnapping.”
What should travelers do?
Travelers will be required to physically or digitally sign a declaration that they have not been to the Democratic Republic of Congo within 21 days of their flight to the United States.
“Connecting through an airport in the DRC also counts as being in the country, even if you did not leave the airport or plane,” according to the CDC.
Why 21 days?
The CDC says 21 days is the maximum incubation period for Ebola.
What if you don’t want to sign?
“Passengers who do not sign an attestation will not be permitted to board a flight bound for the United States,” according to the CDC.
The order only applies to air travel, not land or sea travel.
Who must sign?
With rare exceptions, anyone arriving in the United States from abroad will be required to provide certification.
This includes:
- Adults and children.
- Passengers and crew.
- Travelers to the United States or simply connecting.
- U.S. citizens and permanent residents as well as foreign nationals.
- Commercial flights, general aviation and private aircraft, including cargo.
The CDC can make exceptions for specific individuals for “humanitarian or other important governmental considerations,” as well as for planes carrying passengers with Ebola, with approval from the U.S. government.
What happens if the traveler is a minor or cannot sign themselves?
A parent, guardian or other authorized person must make the certification on behalf of the child.
Adults who are unable to sign due to a disability may ask a family member, traveling companion, or other authorized person to do so on their behalf.
What happens if you lie?
Travelers who provide false or misleading information may face prosecution, criminal fines and imprisonment, according to the CDC.
When does the order take effect?
The order goes into effect at 11:59 p.m. EST on November 3.
Reuters reported that Airlines for America and the International Air Transport Association had urged the CDC to reconsider the deadline and parameters.
Additional details about the attestation order and the Ebola outbreak are available on the CDC website.
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