Home / Health / US Flights: Ebola Test Before Boarding
US Flights: Ebola Test Before Boarding
10 Nov
Summary
- Travelers to the US must attest they haven't been in DRC for 21 days.
- False attestation may lead to criminal penalties, fines, and imprisonment.
- Rules apply to all aircraft passengers and crew, including deadhead status.
As of November 3, 2026, individuals boarding international flights to or transiting through the United States must provide a signed attestation confirming they have not been present in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) within the preceding 21 days. This order, issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is a precautionary measure to mitigate the risk of Ebola importation, though the CDC emphasizes the current overall risk to the American public remains low.
This requirement extends to all passengers and crew on any aircraft, including those on cargo flights or in deadhead status. Transiting through a DRC airport, even without disembarking, necessitates adherence to the 21-day waiting period outside the DRC before traveling to the U.S. Knowingly providing false information on the attestation could lead to criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
UK travelers are also subject to similar advisories. Government guidance highlights that completing this form is crucial to avoid being denied boarding. Parents or guardians must complete the form for travelers under 18. Additional temporary U.S. entry restrictions may apply to individuals who have recently been in the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan, requiring travelers to check guidance for affected areas and consult their airlines.
