Passengers boarding a flight to the United States from another country will have to sign a statement starting November 3. The CDC attestation says the passenger hasn't been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in the 21 days before boarding. CDC's order calls it a necessary public health measure to prevent Ebola disease from being introduced into the United States, and says Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus is confirmed present in the DRC.
The order takes effect at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on November 3, 2026, and applies to flights departing at or after that time. It stays in effect until CDC rescinds or modifies it, or until December 18, 2026, whichever comes first. The attestation can be on paper or in digital form. Here's what the order says and what to do before your next flight to the U.S.
What CDC's Order Says
CDC's Notice and Order, dated October 22, 2026, bars airlines from boarding a passenger on a flight to the United States from a foreign country unless the passenger presents a signed attestation. The statement is that the passenger hasn't been present in the DRC during the 21 days before boarding.
The order counts calendar days. Day 0 is the day the person left the DRC, and someone who was in the DRC may board on day 22. It covers any flight arriving in the United States, including one that connects through the U.S. on the way to another country.
What Counts As Being in the DRC
The order defines presence as any physical presence in the country, whether by air, land or sea. Connecting through a DRC airport counts, even if the passenger didn't leave the plane or the airport. Flying over the DRC doesn't count.
Who Signs and What Airlines Must Do
A parent or other authorized individual may complete and sign the attestation for a passenger under 18. An authorized individual may also act for a passenger who can't act for themselves, for example because of age or a physical or mental impairment. Each person provides a separate attestation.
Airlines have to confirm to the U.S. government, at or before boarding, that every passenger has completed and signed one, and they can't board a passenger who hasn't. They keep each copy for at least 42 days after the flight departs and give it to the U.S. government on request. CDC encourages airlines to build the attestation into paperless check-in.
What Happens If You Don't Sign
The order says a passenger who doesn't provide the attestation, or who gives false or misleading information, may face a delay of travel, denial of boarding, or denial of boarding on future travel. The attestation is signed under penalty of law, and the order says willfully giving false information may bring criminal penalties.
CDC can also grant exemptions on humanitarian or other important government grounds, such as emergency medical evacuations. An exemption can come with conditions, such as precautions during travel, consent to monitoring after arrival, or self-quarantine after arriving in the United States.
Before Your Next Flight to the U.S.
- Check your departure time. The order applies to flights departing at or after 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on November 3.
- Ask your airline how it will collect the form. The airline is responsible for confirming each attestation.
- Count your days if you were in the DRC. The order lets you board on day 22.
- Plan one form per traveler. A parent or other authorized individual signs for a minor.
Conclusion
If your flight to the U.S. from abroad departs at or after 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on November 3, plan to sign the attestation before you board. The attestation says translations approved by CDC will be made available online. The order runs until December 18, 2026, unless CDC rescinds or modifies it sooner, and it says any amendment or extension will be based on a review of then-current outbreak metrics. Our guide to credit cards with travel insurance compares what six premium cards cover and where each one falls short.
