GLOBAL SITUATION ALERT: New Travel Requirements
Due to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), effective 3 November 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will require all passengers boarding international flights to the United States, regardless of their country of departure or nationality, to sign an attestation confirming they have not been present in the DRC during the preceding 21 days. Time spent transiting through or connecting at an airport in the DRC is considered presence in the country, even if passengers remain onboard the aircraft or within the airport. This order does not apply to overflights that do not land at any airport in the United States. Individuals may board a flight to the United States beginning on Day 22, provided they meet all other travel requirements. Travel to the United States is not allowed during Days 0–21.
Travelers can complete the attestation on paper or digitally, and the airline will collect it. A printable version is provided below. Travelers should confirm with the airline how the airline will collect the attestation, as this may vary by airline or aircraft operator. Failure to sign the attestation will result in denial of boarding on a U.S.-bound flight.
As of 1 November, there have been 5,130 total confirmed deaths and a case count of 10,563. Ebola is a severe and potentially fatal viral disease that can cause hemorrhagic fever and damage multiple organs. It spreads through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person, including contaminated objects, and does not spread through the air or casual contact. Symptoms typically develop 2–21 days after exposure and include fever, severe headache, muscle pain, weakness, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, unexplained bleeding or bruising. There is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the Bundibugyo strain, which is responsible for the ongoing outbreak in the DRC; however, early supportive medical care can improve survival.
Resources:
Mitigation Measures
Enroll in a Safe Traveler Program to receive warnings from your preferred embassy.
Check with the destination (i.e. accommodations, work sites, etc.) and see if any are implementing any precautions.
Monitor local news and media for updates.
Plan for extra travel time, as increased screening measures may result in passenger processing delays at airports.
Practice basic health precautions.
DISCLAIMER and Hold Harmless Disclaimer: LSDS™ gathers information from multiple sources and offers insight and perspective to travelers. Sources cannot be validated for accuracy in every instance. Travelers assume all risk associated with their travel and are responsible for the decisions associated with travel and for their own safety. Users of this reference document agree, to hold harmless LSDS™ (LLC) its employees and clients associated with any risk or injury incurred during travel.
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