In a significant change to the U.S. government’s Ebola response measures, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a new order requiring air travelers arriving in the United States from abroad to certify that they have not been present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during the previous 21 days. The order takes effect at 11:59 PM ET on November 3, 2026, and remains in effect through December 18, 2026, unless modified or rescinded earlier.
This update follows prior Ebola-related travel restrictions affecting travelers from the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan.
What Has Changed?
Unlike earlier CDC orders that broadly restricted the introduction of certain travelers from affected regions, the new order establishes an attestation-based system focused specifically on recent presence in the DRC. Travelers must certify that they have not been in the DRC within the previous 21 days before boarding a flight to the United States.
The CDC states that the requirement applies to:
- All persons traveling by air to the United States from a foreign country;
- Passengers;
- Airline crew members; and
- Individuals on cargo flights.
The order applies even if the United States is only a transit point rather than the final destination.
New Attestation Requirement
Before boarding a flight to the United States, travelers must provide a signed paper or digital attestation confirming that they have not been present in the DRC during the prior 21 days. Airlines are prohibited from boarding individuals who fail to provide the required attestation.
The CDC defines “presence” broadly and notes that it includes:
- Entering the DRC by air, land, or sea;
- Airport transits through the DRC; and
- Physical presence within the country for any period of time.
Airline Compliance Requirements
Airlines and aircraft operators must:
- Verify that all covered travelers complete the attestation;
- Retain copies of the attestation for at least 42 days after departure;
- Provide the attestations to the U.S. government upon request; and
- Refuse boarding to travelers who do not comply.
The CDC warns that airlines that fail to comply may face significant civil and criminal penalties and may be denied controlled free pratique necessary to disembark passengers in the United States.
Focus Shifts Primarily to the DRC
A notable change from previous restrictions is the CDC’s decision to focus the new order on the DRC.
The agency determined that the DRC remains the epicenter of the outbreak and presents a substantially higher public health risk than neighboring countries. CDC specifically noted ongoing challenges involving:
- Community transmission;
- Incomplete contact tracing;
- Conflict-related disruptions;
- Weak healthcare infrastructure; and
- Cross-border population movement.
Consequences for False Attestations
Travelers who submit false information may face:
- Denial of boarding;
- Future travel restrictions; and
- Potential criminal penalties under federal law, including prosecution for false statements to the federal government.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news becomes available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.