The United States has introduced a new screening requirement for people travelling by air into the country, requiring passengers and crew to declare that they have not visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during the 21 days before departure.
The order was issued by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), part of the Department of Health and Human Services, on October 22, 2026. It applies to anyone boarding a flight to the US from a foreign country, including American citizens, US nationals and lawful permanent residents.
An amended order issued on October 28 clarified that the measure covers everyone travelling aboard an aircraft, including crew members operating passenger and cargo services. It also applies to crew travelling in a non-operating capacity, such as those repositioning on so-called deadhead flights.
The requirement took effect at 11.59pm Eastern Standard Time on November 3. Travellers departing for the US at or after that time must complete and sign an attestation confirming they have not been present in the DRC during the preceding 21 days.
Dubai-based Emirates Airlines has published guidance on its website explaining how passengers should comply. The airline said a separate form is required for each passenger, although an authorised representative may complete and sign it on someone’s behalf where permitted.
Passengers have been advised to download and print the form from the US government website, complete it and present a physical copy at check-in. For travellers making connecting journeys, verification may take place at the boarding gate.
The CDC introduced the measure as a public health precaution to reduce the risk of Ebola being brought into the United States through international air travel. The agency has said the overall risk to the American public and travellers remains low.
The order also sets out responsibilities for airlines and aircraft operators. Carriers must confirm at or shortly before boarding that everyone on the aircraft has completed the required declaration, either personally or through an authorised representative.
Airlines are also required to establish procedures for collecting and retaining completed forms. The documents may be kept in digital or paper format, but operators must make them available to the US government if requested.
The amended instructions are intended to ensure the requirement is applied consistently across international flights, covering both passengers and aviation personnel. Airlines operating services to the United States will therefore need to update their check-in and boarding procedures to verify compliance before departure.
