US Implements Mandatory Ebola Attestation for All Air Arrivals
All international air passengers arriving in the US must now sign an attestation confirming they have not visited the DRC in the last 21 days.
Traveller Impact
You must complete a health attestation form before boarding any US-bound flight to avoid being denied entry.
Why This Matters
Effective November 3, 2026, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has implemented a mandatory health attestation requirement for all international air passengers arriving in the country. This policy, published in the Federal Register, is a direct response to an ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The measure is designed to mitigate the risk of the virus entering the US by ensuring that individuals who have been in high-risk areas within the 21-day incubation period are identified and restricted from travel.
This requirement applies to all passengers, including US citizens, permanent residents, and those transiting through the US. Airlines are strictly prohibited from boarding any passenger who fails to provide the signed attestation. The order is currently scheduled to remain in effect until December 18, 2026, though it remains subject to extension based on the evolution of the health situation in the DRC. This development highlights the increasing use of targeted health-based entry restrictions as a standard tool in global border management.
Who Is Affected
This policy impacts every individual boarding an international flight destined for the United States, regardless of nationality or citizenship status. It specifically affects travelers who have been physically present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo within the 21 days preceding their flight, as they are generally prohibited from boarding US-bound aircraft until the 22nd day after their departure from the region.
What Travellers Should Do
Verify your travel history for the 21 days prior to your scheduled departure to the US.
Check with your airline at least 48 hours before your flight to obtain the specific attestation form required for your carrier.
Complete the attestation accurately; providing false information can lead to significant legal consequences and immediate denial of boarding.
If you have recently visited the DRC, contact your airline immediately to reschedule your travel to a date at least 22 days after your departure from the country.
Makutet Insight
Makutet expects that health-based travel attestations will become increasingly digitized and integrated into standard airline check-in workflows over the next 12 months. While this specific order is temporary, the precedent of using passenger-signed declarations for public health surveillance suggests that airlines will continue to act as the primary enforcement arm for government health mandates, further complicating the passenger experience at the gate.
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