International travelers heading to the United States will soon need to complete an additional boarding requirement. Beginning November 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, passengers must sign a declaration confirming they have not been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during the previous 21 days.

The CDC requirement applies to flights departing for the United States at or after that time, including journeys that connect through a U.S. airport before continuing elsewhere. It does not apply to flights leaving America.

Passengers covered by the order who do not provide the signed declaration will be denied boarding unless an exemption applies. The statement may be submitted in paper or digital form, and the requirement extends beyond scheduled airline services to other aircraft arriving from abroad.

For travelers recently in the DRC, completing a form does not remove the travel restriction. CDC guidance says they must remain outside the United States for at least 21 days after leaving the country. This also applies to American citizens and nationals, and includes airport connections where passengers remained aboard the aircraft.

Separate restrictions affect people who have recently visited Uganda or South Sudan. Non-U.S. citizens and non-U.S. nationals, including green card holders, are generally barred from entry within 21 days of leaving either country. Eligible returning U.S. citizens and nationals who have not also been in the DRC must arrive through designated screening airports: Washington Dulles, Atlanta, or New York JFK.

Screening includes questions about travel and symptoms, temperature checks, and observation for illness. Travelers also receive instructions to monitor their health for 21 days after leaving the affected country. The monitoring period is measured from departure from that country, rather than automatically starting again upon arrival in America.

The measures come amid an outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus. The CDC’s figures dated October 26, 2026, listed 10,172 confirmed cases and 4,932 confirmed deaths. These totals represent a dated snapshot of an evolving emergency.

The World Health Organization has reported the outbreak's geographic expansion, including imported cases in Kenya and Nigeria. Although the United States has introduced entry controls, WHO’s October 23 update advised against restrictions on travel to or trade with affected countries.

Anyone planning a U.S.-bound journey should review the latest CDC guidance and their airline’s instructions before departure, paying particular attention to recent travel and connecting airports.