CDC Ebola attestation requirement for U.S. entry takes effect November 3

A new CDC Ebola attestation requirement for all travelers entering the United States takes effect November 3. All passengers and aircrew flying to the U.S. from any international destination must complete a health declaration starting at 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time on that date.

The declaration requires individuals to attest they have not been in the Democratic Republic of Congo within the previous 21 days. This measure is part of the U.S. response to an Ebola outbreak in Central Africa and is based on the virus's incubation period.

All travelers must complete the attestation regardless of nationality

The rule applies universally. U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and all foreign nationals are subject to the requirement. There are no exemptions based on nationality or proximity to the outbreak zone within the DRC.

The CDC extended an existing travel ban to include U.S. citizens and permanent residents. This stems from the agency's emergency powers to restrict entry for those who have been in the DRC in the past three weeks.

Non-compliance results in boarding denial

Passengers who refuse to complete the attestation will be refused boarding by airlines. Major U.S. carriers including Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and United Airlines have issued advisories to this effect.

The Department of Transportation's Office of Aviation Consumer Protection has issued an enforcement notice. It states airlines can deny boarding to passengers traveling from the DRC, South Sudan, and Uganda without penalty under these rules.

Airlines face operational challenges and seek exemptions

Airline industry groups have criticized the mandate's swift implementation. Airlines for America requested the CDC to delay the start date and exempt aircrew, military personnel, and jumpseat travelers. The group cited an unworkable timeframe for making necessary system changes.

The International Air Transport Association also asked for reconsideration. It called the mandate unreasonable given the less-than-two-week notice for airlines to modify procedures. IATA stated the attestation is inconsistent with a risk-based approach and noted no evidence the existing DRC travel ban was ineffective.

The CDC rejected these requests. It denied the appeal to exempt aircrew and declined to delay implementation, stating the attestation is required to reduce Ebola importation risk.

Health declaration introduces new protocol for Ebola response

The attestation is part of a broader CDC health declaration system. It addresses the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Central Africa caused by the Bundibugyo virus.

As of November 1, 2026, the DRC has reported 10,532 confirmed cases and 5,126 deaths. Neighboring countries are also affected. Kenya has confirmed nine cases with two deaths, and Uganda has 20 confirmed cases and two deaths. There have been no confirmed cases of Ebola in the United States.

For airline crews, the process creates operational hurdles. The Association of Professional Flight Attendants warned that crew members who do not complete the attestation will not be permitted to return to the U.S. on scheduled flights and must remain abroad at their own expense.

American Airlines has instituted a specific procedure. Each flight attendant must verbally confirm to the captain they have not been in the DRC during the previous 21 days. The captain then signs a single attestation on behalf of the entire crew. Flight attendants who refuse may be left stranded and out of pocket.

Passengers must complete the attestation before boarding their flight to avoid being denied boarding.