The United States is introducing a new mandatory declaration for all passengers on international flights traveling to the country or transiting through American airports. Before boarding, they will need to confirm that they have not been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo within the previous 21 days.

The new rules will take effect on November 3, 2026 at 23:59 Eastern Standard Time. The order was published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which clarified its provisions on October 28.

The requirement will apply to all international air passengers regardless of citizenship, country of departure, and route. Even those who have never visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo will need to complete the declaration.

The rules apply to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, foreign tourists, and other passengers. They also apply to crew members of passenger and cargo aircraft.

For Ukrainians traveling to the US via European airports, this means an additional procedure before boarding a flight to America. The declaration will have to be completed even in the absence of any travel to Africa.

The document can be completed in paper or electronic form. Airlines will be able to integrate the confirmation into online check-in or offer it directly before boarding.

Each passenger must receive a separate declaration. For children under 18, the document must be signed by parents, guardians, or other authorized persons.

If a passenger refuses to complete the declaration, the airline will not allow them to board. Knowingly providing false information is subject to criminal penalties under U.S. law, including fines and possible imprisonment.

Special restrictions are set for people who have recently been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. According to CDC clarifications, such passengers will not be able to fly to the US within 21 days after leaving the country, unless U.S. authorities have granted special permission.

Even a transit in a local airport without leaving the transit area or the aircraft counts as being in Congo. As a general rule, departure to the US will be possible from the 22nd day after leaving the country.

At the same time, the new requirement does not apply to crossing the American border by land or sea. Airlines must keep completed declarations for at least 42 days and provide them to government agencies upon request.

The reason for introducing additional control was the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The CDC explained that the 21-day period corresponds to the maximum incubation period of the disease. The new mechanism is intended to reduce the risk of importing the infection into the US.

According to CDC data as of October 28, no cases related to the current outbreak have been recorded in the US. The overall risk to the American population is assessed as low.

Meanwhile, the aviation industry opposed the too rapid implementation of the new rules. As reported by Fox News on October 29, the association Airlines for America, representing the largest U.S. carriers, asked the CDC to delay the effective date of the requirement.

Airline representatives explained that carriers need additional time to update check-in systems, collect electronic signatures, and train staff. They also suggested focusing checks on passengers who have recently been in regions where the disease is spreading.

Despite the airlines' appeal, as of October 30, the official effective date of the rules remains unchanged. According to the clarified CDC order, the requirement will remain in effect until December 18, 2026, unless it is rescinded, modified, or extended earlier.

According to: CDC, Federal Register, Fox News