US Flights: New Health Declaration Required for Travelers from November 2026

This measure, implemented by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is a response to the Ebola virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The declaration is mandatory for all passengers, regardless of their nationality or departure country. A key question on the form asks if travelers have been in the Democratic Republic of Congo within the 21 days prior to their flight, with layovers in the country also counting, even if passengers did not leave the international transit area. Flights merely passing over the country without landing are exempt. Airlines are responsible for verifying that passengers have filled out and signed the form before boarding; failure to do so will result in denial of boarding. This rule applies even to passengers transiting through the U.S. to another destination. The form can be submitted either on paper or digitally, at the airline's discretion, and each passenger requires their own declaration. For individuals under 18, a parent or authorized guardian can complete and sign the form. Providing false information knowingly could lead to penalties beyond missing the flight, including fines and potential criminal proceedings under U.S. law. Airlines must retain these declarations for at least 42 days after arrival in the U.S. These new regulations are set to be in effect until December 18, 2026, unless extended, modified, or canceled. Importantly, this health declaration does not replace existing travel document requirements such as passports and ESTA or visa approvals.