The United States has announced a new measure to prevent the spread of Ebola, requiring all international travelers to sign an attestation confirming they have not been present in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for 21 days prior to their departure. This requirement, signed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on October 22, 2026, aims to limit the risk of importing the Ebola virus. The attestation will be mandatory for all passengers traveling to the US from November 3, 2026.
The Ebola outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, was reported in eastern DRC in the spring of 2026. According to the Africa CDC, the outbreak has resulted in approximately 4,700 deaths in Africa. The US measure will be in effect until December 18, 2026, unless extended. Other countries have implemented similar measures, including Canada, which imposed a 21-day quarantine on travelers from DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan, and the United Arab Emirates, which refuses entry to individuals from these countries unless they have spent more than 21 days outside these areas.
The attestation requirement will apply to all international travelers, including minors, who will need to have their legal representative sign the document. The declaration can be made on paper or digitally, and airlines will collect the documents during check-in or boarding. These declarations will be kept by airlines for at least 42 days, during which time the CDC can request them. Travelers who refuse to sign the attestation will not be allowed to board their flight to the US.
The CDC has warned that providing false information on the attestation can result in fines and imprisonment. The agency emphasizes that the measure is necessary to prevent the spread of Ebola in the US. The attestation requirement is part of a broader effort to control the outbreak, which has prompted various countries to implement travel restrictions and other measures.
However, not all experts agree with the effectiveness of travel restrictions in controlling the outbreak. Jean Kaseya, director of the Africa CDC, has criticized such measures, stating that "we cannot stop this epidemic with travel restrictions." The debate highlights the complexities of responding to infectious disease outbreaks and balancing public health concerns with economic and social considerations.
The US measure will take effect at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time on November 3, 2026, or 5:59 AM Paris time on November 4, 2026. Travelers should be aware of the new requirement and plan accordingly to avoid any disruptions to their travel plans. The CDC and other health authorities will continue to monitor the situation and adjust their response as needed.
In conclusion, the US has introduced a new requirement for international travelers to sign an attestation related to the Ebola outbreak. The measure aims to prevent the spread of the virus and will be in effect until December 18, 2026. Travelers should familiarize themselves with the requirement and comply with the regulations to avoid any issues with their travel plans.
Key points
- The US requires international travelers to sign an attestation confirming they have not been present in the DRC for 21 days prior to their departure, effective November 3, 2026.
- The measure aims to limit the risk of importing the Ebola virus and will be in effect until December 18, 2026.
- Travelers who refuse to sign the attestation will not be allowed to board their flight to the US.
