What changed: The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) signed an order on 22 October 2026 requiring every passenger boarding an international flight to the United States to sign a health declaration. It applies to flights departing foreign countries from 11:59 pm Eastern time on 3 November 2026. Passengers must state that they have not been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during the 21 days before boarding.
Who it affects
Everyone flying to the US from abroad, whatever their nationality and wherever the journey starts. That includes US citizens, visitors, and travellers from South Africa, Zimbabwe and the rest of Africa, the UK and the EU. It applies even if you have never been near the DRC. The CDC lists limited exemptions, such as aircraft carrying Ebola patients under US government authorisation, and individual exemptions the CDC itself grants.
Key dates
- 22 October 2026: order signed.
- 3 November 2026, 11:59 pm EST: requirement starts for flights leaving foreign countries.
- The order has no stated end date and stays in force until the CDC changes or withdraws it.
How it works
The declaration can be paper, a digital signature or an electronic checkbox. A parent or guardian signs for anyone under 18. Airlines must collect the declaration, keep it for 42 days and refuse boarding without one. Knowingly giving false information can lead to criminal penalties under US law.
Separately, the CDC says people who have been in the DRC within 21 days of their flight are barred from boarding commercial flights to the US, including on itineraries that stop in the DRC.
What to do now
- If you fly to the US on or after 3 November, check your airline's website for how it will collect the declaration.
- Allow a little extra time at check-in, especially for families signing for children.
- If your route has recently touched the DRC, speak to your airline before you travel, as boarding may be refused.
- Confirm the details with the CDC and your airline, as the rules may change quickly.
