CDC requires Ebola attestation for every U.S.-bound international flight

What changed: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention amended its U.S.-bound air-travel order on October 28, 2026. Beginning at 11:59 p.m. EST on November 3, 2026, every person boarding an aircraft departing a foreign country for the United States must complete an attestation confirming that they have not been present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the previous 21 days. The rule applies to passengers and crew and covers commercial, general-aviation and private flights.

Why it matters: This is not limited to flights originating in Africa or to travelers who appear ill. Airlines must collect the attestation before boarding and must refuse boarding to anyone who does not complete it unless the U.S. government has issued an exemption. Presence in the DRC includes a connection through a DRC airport even if the traveler did not leave the aircraft or terminal. A traveler who was present in the DRC cannot truthfully sign until the 21-day period has elapsed and may board beginning on Day 22, assuming all other requirements are met.

Who is affected: All passengers flying to or connecting through the United States from any foreign country, including U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents. The order also applies at Canadian preclearance airports and to travelers using a U.S. airport solely to connect onward to another country. Each passenger needs an attestation; a parent, guardian or authorized representative may sign for a child or a person unable to sign because of a physical or mental impairment.

Financial impact: CDC does not estimate the cost to travelers or agencies. Affected clients may face rebooking, additional accommodation or a delay of up to 21 days outside the United States. Airlines must retain completed attestations for at least 42 days, but travelers are not required to keep a copy. A separate DOT notice says federal consumer protections still apply when these restrictions disrupt a ticket, including fare-protected rebooking, refunds or transferable five-year vouchers in the circumstances described by DOT. See the companion remedies alert.

Important dates: CDC issued the original order on October 22 and amended it on October 28, 2026 to clarify that it applies to everyone traveling on an aircraft, including operating and positioning crew. The requirement applies to flights leaving a foreign country for the United States at or after 11:59 p.m. EST on November 3, 2026.

Advisor action: Add the attestation to pre-departure communications for every international itinerary landing in or connecting through the United States, including departures from Canada. Ask specifically about DRC travel and airport transit during the prior 21 days; do not assume a client will recognize an airside connection as presence in the country. Recheck multi-ticket and multi-stop itineraries, warn clients that failure to attest means denied boarding, and direct affected travelers to the operating carrier before changing the file. Document the client’s travel history response without collecting unnecessary medical information, and use the DOT remedies alert when servicing restricted tickets.

Evidence

• CDC — Requirement for Attestation by All Persons Traveling by Air to the United States (amended October 28, 2026).
• CDC — passenger disclosure and attestation form (accessed October 30, 2026).
• CDC — Ebola outbreak current situation (updated October 29, 2026).