New Ebola Requirement for Travelers to the United States
The United States is introducing a new requirement for all air travelers amid the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Africa. Starting November 3, 2026, passengers will be required to declare before departure that they have not been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) within the past 21 days.
The measure, introduced by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), applies to passengers traveling directly to the United States, those transiting through the country, and flight crews. Declarations may be submitted electronically or in writing. Travelers who have visited the DRC within the past 21 days will not be permitted to board flights bound for the United States.
The new requirement has also sparked concerns across the aviation industry. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Airlines for America have urged the CDC to reconsider the decision, warning that implementing the measure on such short notice could create operational challenges.
🔴 According to CDC data, more than 10,000 cases have been confirmed in the African outbreak, with approximately 4,900 deaths reported. No Ebola cases linked to the current outbreak have been detected in the United States.
Photo Credit: Cleopatra Adedeji, RRT, BSRT
