The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States have implemented a new health requirement that mandates international passengers traveling to the country to present a signed declaration confirming that they have not been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during the 21 days prior to boarding.
The measure, published in the Federal Register on October 27, applies to flights departing at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time on November 3, 2026, regardless of the country of origin.
The obligation applies to both U.S. citizens and permanent residents, as well as tourists and other foreign travelers.
It also includes those who have a layover in the United States to continue to another country, even if they do not plan to stay in U.S. territory.
What must passengers present?
Each traveler must complete and sign an individual declaration certifying that they have not been in the DRC during the 21 days prior to their flight to the United States.
The document can be submitted in paper or digital format, including an electronic signature.
Parents or authorized individuals can complete it on behalf of minors under 18 years old or passengers who are unable to do so themselves due to their age or disability.
The CDC recommends that airlines incorporate this procedure into their electronic billing systems.
Passengers should check with their airline on how to submit the declaration before boarding.
The order does not require diagnostic tests for Ebola or vaccination certificates as part of this new requirement.
It also does not introduce a new visa category nor does it replace the usual immigration conditions for entering the United States.
What happens if someone has recently been to Congo?
The provision considers any stay or transit through its territory as presence in the DRC, including connections at Congolese airports, even if the passenger has not exited the plane.
Overflights without landing do not count as presence.
The day of departure from the RDC is considered day zero. After remaining outside the country for a full 21 calendar days, the traveler can board a flight to the United States starting on day 22.
Airlines are prohibited from allowing boarding for passengers who do not present the required declaration.
Additionally, they must ensure that it is complete and signed, keep a copy for at least 42 days after the flight departure, and provide it to U.S. authorities when requested.
Deliberately presenting false or misleading information can lead to criminal penalties.
The order also includes delays or denials of shipment for those who fail to comply with its provisions.
There are exemptions authorized by the CDC for humanitarian reasons or important government needs, including certain emergency medical evacuations.
These authorizations may be subject to additional conditions, such as health monitoring after arrival or quarantine measures.
A measure to curb the spread of Ebola
The new requirement is a response to the Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
According to the data collected in the federal order, by October 18, 2026, the country had reported 9,455 confirmed cases and 4,561 deaths, spread across 66 health zones in eight provinces.
The CDC warns that the incubation period of the disease can last up to 21 days, allowing an infected person to travel before symptoms develop.
The transmission primarily occurs through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals exhibiting symptoms or with contaminated materials.
The health agency also points out difficulties in controlling the outbreak due to insecurity in the affected areas, limitations in epidemiological surveillance systems, and issues in identifying and tracking individuals who were in contact with infected patients.
The provision complements other health measures announced earlier and, according to the official summary published in the Federal Register, will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. on December 18, 2026, unless modified or revoked earlier.
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