Home / Health / New US Flight Rule: DRC Travel Ban in Effect
New US Flight Rule: DRC Travel Ban in Effect
4 Nov
Summary
- Travelers to the US must declare no DRC visit within 21 days.
- Airlines must verify attestation forms from all passengers.
- Rule aims to prevent Ebola introduction into the United States.
A new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requirement is now in force for individuals traveling to the United States from abroad. As of November 3, passengers must sign a statement attesting they have not been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) within the 21 days preceding their flight. This rule applies to all commercial, private, and cargo flights departing from any foreign country.
Airlines are tasked with verifying that every passenger has completed the necessary attestation, with non-compliance resulting in denied boarding. The requirement is in effect until December 18. This measure is intended to reduce the risk of Ebola being introduced into the U.S., reflecting the disease's maximum 21-day incubation period. The CDC emphasizes that the overall risk to the public remains low, though providing false information can lead to criminal penalties.
The current Ebola outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, was declared in the DRC in May. While Uganda declared its outbreak over in August, imported cases have since been reported in Kenya and Nigeria. As of November 1, the DRC reported 10,532 confirmed cases and 5,126 deaths. Kenya reported its first case on October 6, and Nigeria reported one on October 20. No cases associated with this outbreak have been reported in the United States as of November 2.
