Your Flight to America Now Hinges on Where You Were Three Weeks Ago

A CDC requirement that took effect for flights departing at or after 11:59 p.m. EST on November 3 now applies to virtually everyone flying into the United States from another country. Passengers must attest that they have not been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the previous 21 days. It covers U.S. citizens, green card holders, visitors and even people only connecting through the U.S., but not domestic flights.

There is no test or vaccine certificate involved, just a declaration. Airlines collect it at check-in: American, for example, will not complete app check-in until it is done, and Air Canada lets travelers complete it online, at a kiosk or with an agent. Each person needs one, including children, and a parent can complete it on a child’s behalf.

The test is physical presence in the DRC, not symptoms. Per one detailed breakdown, even a connection at a Congolese airport counts. Counting starts the day you leave the DRC, so leaving on November 1 makes November 23 the first day you could board a U.S.-bound flight. Separate U.S. measures also affect people recently in Uganda and South Sudan. Airlines will deny boarding to anyone who has not completed the form.

The order currently runs through December 18, 2026. Air Canada also notes Canadian border measures for travelers recently in the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan in effect until November 27. A Transportation Department notice says passengers refused boarding for communicable-disease reasons can qualify for rebooking or a refund.

Sources: View from the Wing, Air Canada