Flying to America Now Comes With a Question About Where You’ve Been

The CDC amended its order on October 28, and under the new rule, effective 11:59 pm EST on November 3, passengers on international flights to the United States must attest they were not in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the previous 21 days, according to Travel And Tour World. The rule covers connecting passengers as well, and the outlet ties it to the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak.

Airlines are responsible for checking the attestations before boarding and must keep them for 42 days. The order runs through December 18, 2026. A separate report from Yen.com.gh describes the measure as a mandatory health declaration for all arriving international air passengers, though it says procedural details were still to be confirmed.

The industry pushed back on the timeline. IATA and Airlines for America asked the CDC for a phased rollout, arguing there was too little time to change check-in systems. Whether carriers are ready at every station is the open question for the first days.

For travelers, the practical advice is to expect an extra question or form at check-in or online check-in on US-bound itineraries, including those with a connection, and to allow a little more time. Check your airline’s page for how it is collecting the attestation, since the method may differ by carrier.

Sources: Travel And Tour World, Yen.com.gh