A new rule from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention adds a paperwork step to almost every international flight bound for the United States. From November 3, 2026, all passengers on US-bound international flights must sign a health declaration stating they haven't been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo at any point in the previous three weeks. No form, no boarding — and it's the airline's job to enforce that.

The measure is a response to a serious Ebola outbreak in Central Africa. WHO figures as of October 20 put the DRC at 9,704 confirmed cases and 4,687 deaths, with spread reported into Kenya and Nigeria as well. The CDC still rates the risk to ordinary travellers as low, but the concern is people flying while asymptomatic — Ebola can incubate for up to 21 days, which is why the declaration covers exactly that window. There's currently no known vaccine or treatment, and organisations like Médecins Sans Frontières are appealing for donations to contain the outbreak.

The rule is broad. It covers US citizens, green card holders, airline crews and even people merely connecting through a US airport on their way somewhere else, on any route worldwide. Land and sea entry is exempt, as are flights from US territories such as Puerto Rico. You don't need to print anything in advance — each airline handles collection its own way, electronically or on paper, and one adult can sign on behalf of the whole family. Airlines must keep the declarations for at least 42 days in case federal authorities ask for them.

If you've actually been in the DRC recently, the picture is much stricter: you can't board a US-bound flight at all for 21 days, even if you only transited through a DRC airport without leaving the plane. That applies to Americans too. Day 22 is the earliest you can fly. Uganda and South Sudan carry separate restrictions because of their proximity to the outbreak — Americans returning from those countries must route through Washington Dulles, Atlanta or JFK for a health screening, while most non-US citizens need to wait out 21 days. Note that lying on the declaration isn't a wrist-slap offence; false statements can bring criminal fines or imprisonment.

The order isn't open-ended. It's set to expire on December 18, 2026, though the CDC can extend it or scrap it sooner depending on how the outbreak develops.

Practically speaking, this is low-effort for the vast majority of travellers — a signature at check-in, nothing more. But if your trip involves Central or East Africa, or a routing through the region, check your itinerary carefully before booking. A DRC transit counts as a DRC visit under the CDC's guidance, which could leave you locked out of US-bound flights for three weeks. Worth confirming requirements with your airline before departure, since procedures will vary by carrier and the rules may change as the situation evolves.

Story via Matador Network.