Objective:

The CDC order requires people aboard covered flights to the United States to attest that they have not been physically present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during the preceding 21 days. The CDC says the measure is intended to reduce the risk of Ebola entering the United States through air travel.

Approach:

• Effective date and duration: The order applies to flights departing foreign countries for the United States on or after November 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST. It is scheduled to remain in effect through December 18, 2026, unless rescinded, modified, or extended.
• Who and what it covers: All people aboard covered aircraft, including passengers, operating crew, and personnel traveling in a nonoperating or “deadhead” status, must attest. The order applies to US citizens, nationals, lawful permanent residents, and foreign travelers on commercial, private, and general aviation flights, including flights connecting through the United States to other destinations.
• Attestation and timing: Travelers must sign a paper or electronic statement confirming they were not physically present in the DRC during the preceding 21 days. Presence includes travel through the country by air, land, or sea, and airport connections even when travelers remain aboard the aircraft. Travelers who have been in the DRC must remain outside the United States for 21 days after departure. The departure date is Day 0; the first full calendar day outside the DRC is Day 1. Eligible travelers may board beginning on Day 22, subject to other travel requirements.
• Operator duties and exceptions: Airline and aircraft operators must verify completed attestations before boarding and prohibit boarding without a valid attestation unless a US government exemption applies. Operators must retain attestations for at least 42 days after arrival and provide them to federal authorities on request. Exemptions may include government-authorized transport of patients with Ebola disease and CDC-approved exceptions for humanitarian or other important government considerations.

Key Findings:

• The CDC describes the attestation as a measure to reduce the risk of Ebola entering the United States through air travel.
• The 21-day period corresponds to Ebola disease’s maximum incubation period, as described in the notice.
• Parents or authorized adults must complete attestations for travelers younger than 18; an authorized representative may sign for someone unable to do so because of a disability.
• Knowingly providing false information may result in federal prosecution, criminal fines, or imprisonment under 18 U.S.C. § 1001.

Interpretation:

The order establishes a 21-day DRC-presence attestation and related boarding and recordkeeping requirements for covered flights to the United States.

Limitations:

• The order is scheduled to expire December 18, 2026, but may be rescinded, modified, or extended.
• The supplied context does not include a direct URL to the CDC notice.

Conclusion:

The order requires covered travelers to attest to their DRC presence during the preceding 21 days and requires operators to verify and retain attestations, subject to specified exemptions.

Sources:

• CDC Port Health notice, updated October 28, 2026 (as described in the supplied context)