If you're flying to the United States this fall, get ready for a new layer of paperwork. Starting November 3, 2026, every passenger on an international flight to the US must sign a statement confirming they have not been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during the 21 days before departure. The rule comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and applies to everyone, regardless of where they board or what passport they hold.

The move follows an Ebola outbreak in Central Africa that began in May 2026. The strain, known as Bundibugyo, was first detected in the DRC and has since spread to Uganda. The World Health Organization declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on July 17, but stressed that countries should not close borders or restrict travel. The global risk, they said, remains low because the virus only spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids.

Still, the US has taken a harder line. In May, non-US citizens who had been in the DRC within the previous three weeks were barred from entering. That ban was extended to US citizens in July. Now, the new attestation requirement adds another layer for everyone. Airlines must verify that each passenger has completed the form before boarding. If you haven't, you won't get on the plane, unless you have a US government exemption. Carriers must keep copies of the signed forms for at least 42 days after arrival.

The CDC's attestation order spells out the details. It's a simple paper or digital form, but it's mandatory. If you've been in the DRC within 21 days of your flight, you should plan to stay outside the US until that period passes. The same goes for travelers coming from South Sudan or Uganda, though the rules differ slightly.

For non-US citizens and non-US nationals, including green card holders, who have been in South Sudan or Uganda within 21 days, entry is currently prohibited. US citizens and nationals in that situation will be routed through one of three designated airports for health screening: Washington-Dulles (IAD), Atlanta (ATL), or New York JFK. That's a change from the usual entry points, so if you're flying from Kampala or Juba, expect a longer journey.

Why the US is tightening rules on November 3 remains unclear. The CDC says no Ebola cases linked to the current outbreak have been reported in the US. The WHO has advised against travel restrictions, and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) says international air travel remains safe. Yet the US is pressing ahead, and travelers need to adapt.

If you're planning a trip to the US from Africa or anywhere else, check the latest guidance before you fly. The attestation is just one part of a broader set of entry requirements. For more on how to navigate travel during an outbreak, see our guide on flying during an Ebola outbreak. And if you're curious about how other countries are handling screening, read about Europe's airport screening gap.

For most travelers, the new rule will be a minor inconvenience. You'll sign a form, hand it over, and board. But for those who have recently visited the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan, the implications are serious. The 21-day waiting period is non-negotiable. Your airline must verify your attestation before boarding. And US citizens returning from Uganda or South Sudan will be rerouted through specific airports. Plan accordingly, and keep an eye on official updates from the CDC.

Travel rules can change quickly, especially during a public health emergency. Stay informed, pack your patience, and remember that a little extra paperwork is a small price for safety.