Clinical Scorecard: CDC mandates Ebola attestation for US-bound flights

At a Glance

Key Highlights

• The requirement takes effect November 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST, and is scheduled to remain in effect until December 18, 2026, unless changed.
• Travelers must attest that they were not physically present in the DRC during the preceding 21 days; presence includes transit and airport connections.
• The order covers commercial, private, and general aviation flights, including flights connecting through the United States to other destinations.
• Travelers who have been in the DRC may board beginning on Day 22 after departure, with departure counted as Day 0.
• Operators must verify attestations before boarding, retain them for at least 42 days after arrival, and provide them to federal authorities upon request.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

Management

• Passengers must complete a paper or electronic attestation confirming they were not physically present in the DRC during the previous 21 days.
• Airlines and aircraft operators must prevent boarding without a valid attestation unless a US government exemption applies.
• Travelers who have been in the DRC must remain outside the United States for 21 days after departure; eligible travelers may board on Day 22 if they meet other travel requirements.
• Parents or authorized adults must complete attestations for travelers younger than 18; an authorized representative may complete one for a person unable to sign because of a disability.

Monitoring & Follow-up

• Operators must retain completed attestations for at least 42 days after arrival and provide them to federal authorities upon request.

Risks

• Knowingly providing false information may result in federal prosecution, criminal fines, or imprisonment under 18 U.S.C. § 1001.
• Exemptions may include government-authorized transportation of patients with Ebola disease or CDC-granted exceptions for humanitarian or other important government considerations.

Patient & Prescribing Data

All travelers and personnel aboard covered flights departing foreign countries for the United States at or after the effective time.

This is a travel attestation and boarding restriction, not a treatment protocol. The 21-day period is based on the maximum Ebola disease incubation period.

Clinical Best Practices

• Count any physical presence in the DRC, including air, land, or sea transit and airport connections, toward the travel-history restriction.
• For the 21-day period after leaving the DRC, count the departure date as Day 0 and the first full calendar day outside the country as Day 1.
• Confirm that an attestation is completed before boarding; apply only exemptions authorized by the US government.

Related Resources & Content

• CDC Port Health notice, updated October 28
• 18 U.S.C. § 1001