CDC's amended air-travel order requires covered people boarding flights to the United States from abroad to sign an attestation that they have not been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the preceding 21 days. The agency says the amendment clarifies that crew members are covered as well as passengers.
Which flights and people
The requirement includes cargo flights and flights connecting through the United States to another country. It does not apply to overflights that do not land at a U.S. airport.
The order defines presence in the DRC to include connecting through an airport there, even without leaving the aircraft or airport. For its waiting period, departure from the DRC is day zero, the first full calendar day outside is day one, and a person may board a U.S.-bound flight on day 22.
Exemptions cover aircraft operators transporting Ebola patients under U.S. government authorization and CDC guidance, and individuals granted CDC exemptions for humanitarian or other important government considerations. CDC may impose additional conditions on exempt individuals.
What carriers must do
Airlines and other operators must review covered people's paper or digital attestations before boarding for completeness and signature, confirm completion to the government at or before boarding, and not board a person who fails to present one.
They must retain copies for at least 42 days after departure and supply them to the government on request. Authorized representatives may complete attestations in the circumstances described in the order, including for children and people unable to act for themselves.
Effective time and limits
The amended order was issued October 28 and published October 30. It applies to flights departing at or after 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on November 3, 2026 and is scheduled to remain in effect through 11:59 p.m. EST December 18 unless amended or rescinded sooner.
False statements and failures to comply can bring criminal penalties; failure to provide an attestation can also delay travel or result in denied boarding. The order operates alongside other CDC Ebola orders rather than replacing them. An attestation alone therefore does not establish an individual's complete entry eligibility.