New CDC Travel Requirement for Flights to the USA: What International Travelers Need to Know in 2026

Planning an international trip to the United States? Travelers should be aware of a new requirement issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Starting November 3, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time, passengers boarding international flights to the United States must complete an attestation confirming that they have not been present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during the 21 days before their flight.

This temporary requirement is one of the CDC travel requirements in connection with the disease known as Ebola. It is applicable to travelers of all nationalities, whether they be Americans or even permanent residents holding green cards.

If you plan to travel to America, reenter the country after an international trip, or transit through a US airport, knowing about this travel requirement may help you to prevent any unexpected travel problems.

What Is This New Travel Requirement?

According to this new requirement by CDC, an attestation is required from passengers who intend to board an airplane for an International Flight into the USA. The attestation is a statement of affirmation that the passenger has not traveled to or been present in the DRC in the last 21 days.

This travel requirement will be in effect beginning from 11:59 PM EST on November 3, 2026 and will stay valid until December 18, 2026, unless modified or terminated prior.

Who Needs to Complete the CDC Attestation?

The mandate is applicable to all individuals who wish to travel to the United States via air from another country, irrespective of their citizenship or place of origin.

These include:

• U.S. citizens returning from international trips.
• Holders of Green Cards who are returning to the United States.
• Foreigners coming to the United States.
• Individuals flying via the United States to another international destination.

Children traveling internationally accompanied by a parent or representative authorized to sign the declaration on their behalf according to the CDC form.

An individual attestation is required for every passenger.

Also Read: OCI Card Holders Traveling to India: Documents, Rules & Common Mistakes

What If You Have Visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

A passenger who has physically been in the DRC within 21 days of their scheduled departure from there to the USA is prohibited from boarding flights to the USA.

Significantly, the above-mentioned travel ban also applies to passengers who have only stopped at an airport in the DRC for transit purposes irrespective of whether they left the airport or stayed inside the aircraft.

CDC follows this process to determine the number of days after which the ban becomes applicable to a traveler:

• Day 0: The day when you leave the DRC.
• Days 1–21: The 21-day waiting period in the absence of DRC.
• Day 22: The first possible date on which you can board your flight to the USA.

This travel ban applies to U.S. citizens, Green Card holders, and foreign travelers.

What Should Passengers Do Before Flying to the USA?

To ensure that you do not face any problems at the airport at the last minute, international travelers are advised to take the following precautions:

1. Contact your airline

Know how your operating airline accepts the CDC attestation. This may vary from online check-in to airline application or even paper/digital declaration.

2. Complete the attestation

Give correct information and declare as necessary before boarding. Do not assume that this will be possible at the airport counter.

3. Check your travel history

Look back into your travel history for the past 21 days, especially when your itinerary included DRC.

4. Check your connecting flights

When there is a connecting flight in the U.S., make sure that you know about the requirements for the same.

5. Other destination requirements

Countries like Canada, India, UAE, Saudi Arabia may have different entry requirements/health-related requirements.

How Can Fantastic Fare Help With Your International Travel Plans?

Traveling requirements can vary especially during the time of health emergency. Getting updated before traveling can help you avoid getting stuck due to the changing requirements.

At Fantastic Fare, we support travelers to understand different international flights options and plan their journey easily. We can assist you whether you are traveling from the USA to India or making your plans for an international trip or for going back. We can help you get information regarding your travel requirements through the concerned airlines. For more information about flight arrangements, call us at Fantastic Fare at +1-833-422-7770.