An outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is causing the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to issue new rules to help reduce spread of the deadly disease.
Starting at midnight Eastern Standard Time on November 4, 2026, all passengers boarding an international flight to the United States, regardless of location of embarkation, must sign a statement stating that they have not been present in the DRC during the 21 days before their flight leaves for the U.S. The airlines will connect the forms and keep them on file for 42 days.
To date, no cases of Ebola have been reported in the U.S. But to reduce the risk, U.S. entry for travelers who have been to the DRC in the past three weeks is temporarily restricted. Travelers, including Americans, who have been in DRC within 21 days of their flight will not be allowed to board any commercial flights flying to the U.S.
Airlines for America (A4A), representing major U.S. carriers, asked the CDC to give airlines more time to prepare, reported Fox News Digital.
While supporting the CDC’s goals, A4A wants a “more proportionate and measured U.S. response” and noted that, “changes to check-in systems, digital signatures, station procedures and training cannot readily be completed in the allotted time.”
According to the CDC website, all U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals who have been in DRC should plan to remain outside DRC for 21 days before entering the U.S. This includes all passengers with an intermediate stop in DRC or on multi-stop itineraries via DRC regardless of whether they disembark or stay on the airplane.
Additionally, those who have been present in Uganda or South Sudan within 21 days of arrival in the United States must only enter through designated airports for enhanced screening.
The CDC recommends avoiding all travel to Ituri and Nord-Kivu (North Kivu) provinces and avoiding nonessential travel to Haut-Uele and Tshopo provinces in DRC. Travelers to other parts of DRC or Uganda should take enhanced precautions to avoid Ebola exposure and monitor for symptoms while traveling and for 21 days after leaving.
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