Ebola US Entry Rules: Every passenger boarding a flight to the United States from abroad will have to sign a short Ebola travel statement starting Tuesday, November 3, and airlines have been told not to let anyone on without it. Under the new Ebola US entry rules, the CDC flight attestation applies to flights that leave a foreign airport after 11:59 p.m. Eastern on November 3, and it covers U.S. citizens, green card holders and foreign visitors alike. The form asks one question: were you in the Democratic Republic of the Congo at any point in the previous 21 days? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued the order on October 22, just days before the outbreak passed 10,000 confirmed cases. We’ll be updating this article monthly as the CDC, DHS and airlines change their instructions.
The attestation is separate from the Ebola entry ban that has been in place since May. That older order, which now runs through November 10 unless it is changed, bars many non-citizens who were recently in the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan from entering. U.S. citizens and nationals are exempt from the ban, but they face their own limits. The CDC says no Ebola case linked to this outbreak has been reported in the United States and rates the risk to the American public as low. Even so, the rules now touch ordinary trips: a layover in Kinshasa, a flight from London, a connection through Atlanta. Below is who has to sign, how the 21-day count works, what airlines must do, and a free calculator that checks your own dates.
Ebola US Entry Rules Key Dates and Highlights
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Attestation order issued | October 22, 2026 |
| Attestation takes effect | Flights departing a foreign country after 11:59 p.m. Eastern, November 3, 2026 |
| Who must sign | Every passenger on a flight to the U.S. from abroad, including citizens and green card holders |
| What you attest | You were not in the DRC during the 21 days before departure |
| Entry suspension for covered non-citizens | In effect from October 11 through 4:59 p.m. Eastern on November 10, 2026, unless changed |
| Countries in the entry suspension | Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, South Sudan |
| Countries in the attestation | DRC only |
| Airline record keeping | At least 42 days after arrival |
| Reported end date of the attestation order | December 18, 2026, subject to change |
| Public comment deadline on the entry order | October 30, 2026, docket CDC-2026-0892 |
| Outbreak size (CDC, as of October 26) | 10,172 confirmed cases and 4,932 deaths |
| Risk to the U.S. public | Low, per the CDC; no linked U.S. cases |
One caution on the December 18 date. It comes from a single trade publication and I could not find it in the CDC text I was able to open, so treat it as unconfirmed until the order is published in the Federal Register.
What Is the CDC Ebola Flight Attestation?
The attestation is a signed statement, on paper or on a screen, that you have not been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the 21 days before your flight. It is a travel history question, not a health screening. Nobody takes your temperature at the check-in desk because of this form, and you do not describe symptoms on it.
Airlines collect it. The CDC supplies a fillable form for carriers, but there is no government website where a traveler submits it directly. Carriers decide how to gather it, and the CDC has encouraged them to build it into online check-in. Reports say the form is currently English only, though airlines may translate it for customers. The statement is not part of the passenger data that airlines already send to border officials, so it is a separate step.
The order covers commercial flights, charter flights and private aircraft heading to the United States from a foreign country. Flights from U.S. territories, such as Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, are not covered. Aircraft that only cross U.S. airspace without landing are not covered either. Travelers who clear U.S. customs at a preclearance airport abroad, such as in Canada or Ireland, are covered because their flight departs a foreign country.
Who Must Sign the Ebola Attestation Before Flying to the U.S.?
Everyone on the flight. The CDC has not carved out citizens, residents or children. A few practical points follow from that.
- Each traveler needs an individual form, including infants, whose parent or guardian signs for them.
- A parent or guardian signs for any passenger under 18.
- A family member, legal guardian or travel agent may sign for a passenger who cannot do so, for example because of a disability.
- Passengers who are only connecting through a U.S. airport still sign, because their first leg lands in the U.S.
- Foreign nationals and U.S. citizens follow the same attestation process, even though they face different entry restrictions.
If you refuse to sign, or you cannot truthfully sign because you were in the DRC within 21 days, an airline is expected to deny boarding. The only passengers who can board without the form are those holding a U.S. government exemption, such as people on a medical flight carrying Ebola patients under federal authorization or travelers the CDC has excused for humanitarian or other government reasons.
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How the 21-Day Rule Works: Counting Your Days Correctly
The count trips up more travelers than anything else, so here is how it works based on published guidance.
The day you leave the DRC is day zero. The next calendar day is day one. Reports citing the CDC say a traveler can board a U.S.-bound flight from day 22. Time spent in a DRC airport counts as being in the country, even if you stayed on the aircraft or inside the terminal. A flight that only passes over DRC airspace does not count.
| Date you left the DRC | Day zero | Earliest day to board (day 22) |
|---|---|---|
| October 20 | October 20 | November 11 |
| October 25 | October 25 | November 16 |
| November 1 | November 1 | November 23 |
| November 10 | November 10 | December 2 |
These dates follow the day-22 rule as reported. If your trip is close to the line, confirm your date with your airline and the CDC before you pay for a ticket, because carriers apply the order and may be more cautious than the minimum.
Ebola Entry Ban 2026: Which Non-Citizens Are Barred Through November 10?
The entry suspension is a different order from the attestation, and the two are easy to confuse. Under a CDC order issued under Sections 362 and 365 of the Public Health Service Act and the regulation at 42 CFR 71.40, certain non-U.S. citizens who were in the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan during the previous 21 days may not enter the United States. The version now in effect took effect October 11, 2026, and it expires at 4:59 p.m. Eastern on November 10 unless the CDC extends, changes or ends it sooner. The Assistant Secretary for Health signed it on October 9.
Key points from the Federal Register notice:
- It applies regardless of nationality, and it includes lawful permanent residents, so a green card holder who was recently in a listed country can be affected.
- It does not apply to U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals.
- Exceptions exist for U.S. military members and their associated personnel, U.S. government personnel serving overseas and their spouses and children, and people whom a customs officer, with supervisor approval, decides should be excepted after consulting public health standards.
- Some people can be admitted under an exception the CDC grants provisionally, followed by a public health assessment at arrival.
The order has been renewed repeatedly. It was first issued May 18, amended soon after, and extended in August, September and October, each time for about 30 days. The CDC has declined requests to narrow it, and the outbreak has grown since the last renewal, so another extension around November 10 would be consistent with the pattern. That is my reading of the record, not a CDC announcement, so check for an update before booking travel in the second week of November.
Rules for U.S. Citizens Returning From Ebola-Affected Countries
U.S. citizens are not barred from coming home, but they are not free of conditions. The CDC says travelers who were in the DRC within 21 days cannot board a commercial flight to the United States, and citizens and nationals should plan to stay outside the country until 21 days have passed since they left the DRC. That includes a stop in the DRC even if the traveler never left the plane.
For citizens and nationals who were in Uganda or South Sudan, but not the DRC, the CDC describes enhanced entry screening through designated airports. One trade report names those airports as Washington Dulles, Atlanta and New York JFK. The CDC page I could access refers only to designated airports, so confirm the list before you fly. After arrival, the CDC advises monitoring for symptoms for 21 days. Anyone who feels unwell should call a health care provider before going in, say they traveled from an outbreak area, and follow the CDC’s returning-traveler guidance.
Airline Duties, Penalties and What Happens at Check-In
Airlines carry the burden of enforcement. Under the order and instructions from Customs and Border Protection’s Carrier Liaison Program, carriers must:
- Review each passenger’s attestation before boarding, ideally at check-in or at the last airport before the U.S.
- Confirm to the U.S. government that every passenger has completed one.
- Refuse boarding to anyone without a completed form unless they hold a government exemption.
- Keep a copy of every attestation for at least 42 days after the flight lands, and supply them on request along with details such as the passenger name record number.
A carrier that cannot give that confirmation can be denied permission to land and disembark passengers. One trade report says organizations that do not comply may face criminal fines of up to $200,000, a figure I could not verify in the CDC text. For travelers, the risk is simpler: knowingly giving false information can be prosecuted under federal law, including the statute on false statements to the government. The CDC has warned that deliberately inaccurate answers can bring criminal penalties.
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Ebola Outbreak Update: Cases, Countries and the Latest Numbers
The outbreak is caused by Bundibugyo virus, one of the species that can cause Ebola disease, and it is centered in the northeastern DRC. As of October 26, the CDC reported 10,172 confirmed cases and 4,932 confirmed deaths. It calls this the second largest Ebola outbreak on record.
| Country | Confirmed cases | Confirmed deaths | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic Republic of the Congo | 10,141 | 4,928 | Cases in eight provinces |
| Uganda | 20 | 2 | CDC reports no active cases |
| Kenya | 9 | 2 | Linked to one imported case |
| Nigeria | 1 | 0 | Imported case reported in Abuja |
| France | 1 | 0 | No active cases |
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reported slightly lower DRC figures for the same week, 10,060 confirmed cases and 4,887 deaths based on data through October 25, which reflects different cut-off dates. Ituri province accounts for most cases, with 7,211 cases and 3,370 deaths in the ECDC update, followed by North Kivu. Sixty-six of 178 health zones are affected, and the ECDC says the true size is likely larger than reported because of gaps in contact follow-up. The World Health Organization describes transmission as sustained and high level in the DRC, and a report summarizing its data said contact follow-up stood at about 82 percent against a 95 percent target.
No licensed vaccine or specific treatment exists for Bundibugyo virus. The vaccine that is licensed protects against a different species, Zaire ebolavirus, and it is being used only under research protocols. A Phase 2 and 3 trial began vaccinating in Bunia on October 23. The CDC and ECDC both rate the risk to the general public in the U.S. and Europe as low or very low.
How to Complete the Ebola Attestation: Step by Step
You do not apply or register anywhere, and no account or login is needed. The process runs through your airline.
- Check your airline’s website or app a few days before departure for an attestation step in online check-in.
- If the airline uses paper, ask for the form at the counter or the gate, and read it before signing.
- Complete one form per traveler, with a parent, guardian or authorized person signing where needed.
- Answer honestly. The question concerns the DRC only, and the 21 days run back from the day you board.
- Keep your boarding documents handy, because an agent may check the form against your itinerary.
- If you were in the DRC within 21 days, do not sign. Contact your airline about rebooking and the CDC about the entry rules that apply to you.
The CDC’s attestation order page and the CBP carrier bulletin are the official references. Links appear in the resources table below.
Processing Time and Cost: How Long Does It Take and What Does It Cost?
The attestation itself is free, and there is no government fee. It takes a minute or two to sign. The cost to travelers is indirect: a missed flight, a rebooking fee, or a stay of three weeks outside the U.S. while the 21-day window runs out.
| Step | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Sign the attestation | A few minutes at check-in | $0 |
| Wait out the 21 days after leaving the DRC | Until day 22 | Lodging and rebooking costs |
| Enhanced screening for some citizens from Uganda or South Sudan | Additional time at a designated airport | $0 in government fees |
| Request a humanitarian or government exemption | Varies, handled through the government | Not stated |
Ebola US Entry Rules Calculator
The companion tool checks your own dates. Enter the day you left the DRC, your planned departure date, your traveler status, and whether you were also in Uganda or South Sudan. It shows the day-22 date when you can board, whether your flight falls under the November 3 attestation, and whether the current entry suspension applies to you. It uses the published rules and the November 10 expiry, so results are a planning aid, not legal advice. The orders can change on short notice, so check the CDC before you buy a ticket.
Ebola US Entry Rules Calculator
Check your 21-day window, the November 3 flight attestation, and the entry suspension in effect through November 10.
Planning aid only, not legal or medical advice. Based on published reports of the CDC attestation order (flights departing after 11:59 p.m. Eastern on November 3, 2026), the entry suspension through 4:59 p.m. Eastern on November 10, 2026, and the 21-day count with the day you leave as day zero and day 22 as the first boarding day. The suspension has been renewed several times and may change. Departure time is compared with 11:59 p.m. Eastern using a fixed UTC-5 offset, so for flights near the cutoff, confirm with your airline. Check cdc.gov and your airline before you travel.
Official Websites and Resources for Ebola US Entry Rules
FAQs About Ebola US Entry Rules
What is the Ebola attestation for flights to the U.S.?
It is a signed statement that you were not in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the 21 days before your flight. Airlines collect it before boarding.
When does the Ebola attestation start?
It applies to flights departing a foreign country after 11:59 p.m. Eastern on November 3, 2026.
Do U.S. citizens have to sign it?
Yes. Citizens, nationals and green card holders all sign, along with foreign visitors.
Is the attestation a health screening?
No. It asks about where you have been, not about symptoms or temperature.
Can I board if I was in the DRC two weeks ago?
No. Under the CDC's rules you cannot board a U.S.-bound commercial flight until 21 days have passed since you left the DRC.
Does a layover in the DRC count?
Yes. Time in a DRC airport counts, even if you stayed on the plane or in the terminal.
Does the ban apply to green card holders?
The entry suspension, which runs through November 10 unless changed, covers lawful permanent residents who were in the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan in the past 21 days, unless an exception applies.
Is there any case of Ebola in the United States?
The CDC says no cases linked to this outbreak have been reported in the U.S.
Why is the U.S. requiring an Ebola form for all international flights?
Officials want a single, uniform check at the point of departure, because travelers can reach the U.S. by many routes and connections. The form makes every airline ask the same question.
Which countries are on the Ebola travel ban list?
The entry suspension names the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan. The attestation covers the DRC only.
How long is the Ebola quarantine period for travelers?
The CDC uses a 21-day window, and returning travelers are advised to monitor their health for 21 days.
Can I fly to the U.S. if I was in Uganda?
U.S. citizens can, though some are routed through designated airports for enhanced screening. Many non-citizens are barred while the suspension is in effect.
Is there an Ebola vaccine for this outbreak?
No licensed vaccine or treatment exists for Bundibugyo virus. A trial started in Bunia on October 23.
What happens if I lie on the Ebola attestation?
Knowingly giving false information can lead to criminal penalties under federal law.
Will the Ebola travel rules be extended?
The entry suspension runs through November 10 and has been renewed several times. The attestation order's end date is reported as December 18, but that has not been confirmed in an official source I could open.
What should I do if I develop symptoms after traveling?
Call a health care provider before visiting, tell them about your travel, and follow the CDC's returning-traveler guidance.
Conclusion
The new Ebola US entry rules add a one-question form to every international flight into the United States, starting with departures after 11:59 p.m. Eastern on November 3. For most passengers it will be a minor step at check-in. For anyone who has been in the DRC, it is a hard stop for 21 days, and for many non-citizens who were in the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan, the entry suspension through November 10 adds a separate barrier. Count your days from the day you left, read your airline's instructions, and check the CDC and Federal Register before you book anything near a deadline. Because the orders can be extended or amended with little notice, we'll be updating this article monthly with the latest official guidance.
