United States: New Health Declaration Required for Travelers Starting November 2026

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Travelers heading to the United States will need to comply with a new health requirement starting November 3, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. This measure, announced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mandates that all passengers on international flights sign a declaration regarding their recent travel, as part of precautions against the risk of introducing the Ebola virus.

The obligation will apply to all travelers, regardless of their nationality or origin. It will also affect passengers transiting through a U.S. airport, even if the United States is not their final destination.

A Declaration on Travel in the Last 21 Days

Each passenger will need to declare under oath that they have not stayed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the 21 days prior to their flight to the United States. This period corresponds to the maximum incubation duration for the Ebola virus disease.

The measure will apply to travelers departing from Paris as well as Canadian or American citizens. A layover in a Congolese airport will be considered as having been present in the DRC, even if the passenger does not leave the airport.

Unless exempted, individuals who have stayed in the affected country must wait until the 22nd day following their departure before they can board a flight to the United States.

A Mandatory Requirement Before Boarding

Airlines will be responsible for ensuring that each passenger has completed and signed their declaration before departure. The form may be presented in paper or digital format, depending on the carrier's requirements.

Failure to provide a declaration will result in refusal to board. This rule will also apply to travelers transiting through a U.S. airport to reach another international destination. However, arrivals by land or sea will not be subject to this requirement.

Each passenger must have their own declaration. For minors under the age of 18, a parent, guardian, or another authorized person may sign the document on their behalf. Airlines must keep the declarations for at least 42 days after the flight's arrival in the United States.

A Precautionary Measure Against the Ebola Epidemic

This new requirement comes amid an epidemic linked to the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to a report from Congolese health authorities cited by AFP on October 27, 10,060 people had been infected and 4,887 had died since the virus was detected in May.

The lack of a vaccine and approved treatment complicates the health response, according to the information provided in the source text.

U.S. authorities have implemented this measure to limit the risk of introducing the virus by air. However, the declaration does not constitute a medical certificate: it only pertains to travel undertaken during the three weeks prior to the flight.

As the implementation date of this measure approaches, affected travelers should check with their airline regarding the procedures for completing and submitting the form. This precaution will help anticipate new requirements and avoid boarding denial due to the absence of the document.