In a significant move to bolster public health safety, the United States has mandated that all international flight passengers must complete a health declaration form before boarding. This new requirement, signed into effect by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on October 22, 2026, will take effect at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on November 3, 2026.

The decision comes in response to an ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), specifically linked to the Bundibugyo strain of the virus. Since May 2026, the U.S. has implemented various travel restrictions for individuals with recent ties to the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan. However, the new health declaration expands these requirements to include all international travelers, regardless of their nationality or travel history.

Under the new rules, passengers from countries such as Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Canada, and France will be required to certify that they have not been in the DRC within the 21 days prior to their flight. This includes travelers who may have merely transited through a Congolese airport, as even brief presence in the country counts against them. However, merely flying over the DRC without landing does not trigger this requirement.

The health declaration, officially titled "Passenger Disclosure and Attestation to the United States of America," can be submitted either on paper or digitally, allowing for a handwritten or electronic signature. For minors, a parent or authorized adult can complete and sign the form on their behalf. Airlines are encouraged to integrate this declaration into their online check-in systems to streamline the process for travelers.

Airlines will face strict penalties if they allow passengers to board without a properly completed attestation. They are required to retain copies of all submitted forms for at least 42 days following the arrival of each flight in the United States. This measure aims to enforce compliance systematically across all passengers, rather than relying solely on itinerary screening.

In addition to the new health declaration, existing restrictions remain in place for travelers who have been in the DRC within the specified 21-day window. These individuals, including U.S. citizens, are currently barred from boarding commercial flights to the United States. The CDC has indicated that this health attestation will serve as an additional layer of precaution alongside existing entry requirements, such as the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) or a valid visa.

In related news, Nigeria's Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has placed 44 individuals linked to a confirmed Ebola case in Nigeria on a no-fly list. Health Minister Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate confirmed that these individuals were identified as close contacts of a patient who exhibited symptoms after visiting a hospital. The government is actively tracing these contacts to prevent further spread of the virus.

The health declaration requirement is set to remain in effect until December 18, 2026, although the CDC retains the authority to amend, lift, or extend the order depending on the evolution of the outbreak. Limited exemptions may be granted for emergency medical evacuations and specific humanitarian situations.