Flying to the U.S. from abroad now requires passengers to attest they haven't been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the previous 21 days. The federal requirement took effect November 3, 2026, for flights departing to the United States and applies across all airlines, including foreign carriers.
The attestation is a simple declaration about recent travel history. No Ebola test or vaccination certificate is required. Each person, including children, must complete a form. A parent or authorized representative can fill it out for children or those unable to do so themselves.
The requirement runs through December 18, 2026. Passengers provide the declaration either through an airline app or on paper. American Airlines' internal procedures show that if the app malfunctions, passengers should ask an agent to verify completion and request a paper form if needed. Airlines must retain completed paper attestations for 42 days.
The question focuses on whether someone was physically present in Congo, including airport connections where passengers remained on the aircraft. Leaving Congo on November 1 means the first eligible boarding date is November 23.
U.S. citizens are barred from boarding flights to the United States during the waiting period, with limited government exemptions for authorized medical transport and humanitarian cases. Non-U.S. citizens and green card holders who've recently been in Uganda or South Sudan must also wait outside the U.S., though U.S. citizens returning from those countries can enter through New York JFK, Washington Dulles, or Atlanta for public health screening.
The current outbreak has recorded 10,563 confirmed cases and 5,130 confirmed deaths, mostly in Congo. The CDC reports no U.S. cases associated with this outbreak and considers introduction very unlikely. Ebola spreads through infected blood and body fluids, not through the air, and doesn't spread from people without symptoms.
If an airline refuses to let you board based on recent travel, request the explanation in writing. The airline must provide it within 10 days.