U.S. requires travelers to sign health declaration starting November 3

Travelers flying to the United States or connecting through U.S. airports will be required to complete and sign a health declaration before boarding starting November 3, 2026, as part of new measures to strengthen screening amid an Ebola outbreak in Africa.

The requirement, issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), applies to all passengers traveling to the United States, regardless of their nationality or whether the country is their final destination or a transit point.

Under the new protocol, passengers must sign a sworn statement certifying that they have not visited the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during the 21 days before their departure. The declaration will be mandatory for all flights departing on or after November 3.

Airlines have begun notifying passengers about the new U.S. travel requirement. Avianca announced on Saturday, October 31, that it would implement the health screening measure in compliance with the CDC directive.

The new protocol is intended to strengthen public health surveillance and reduce the risk of Ebola spreading through international air travel. Passengers planning to travel to or transit through the United States should ensure they complete the required declaration before boarding.