U.S. adds Ebola attestation requirement for travellers entering flights; order begins Nov. 3, 2026

The Story

A U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) attestation order that took effect on November 3, 2026 requires travellers boarding flights to the United States to sign a declaration confirming they have not been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in the 21 days before boarding. The requirement applies to people of all nationalities and also covers travellers connecting through the United States.

The attestation requirement was described as a response to a growing Ebola outbreak in the DRC that began earlier in 2026. The CDC said airlines or other aircraft operators will provide and collect the attestation on behalf of the U.S. government prior to boarding, and travellers should check with their airline or aircraft operator for details on how the attestation will be gathered.

Canada has issued travel guidance related to Ebola. The Public Health Agency of Canada issued a Travel Health Notice on May 15, 2026 warning travellers to avoid travel to the DRC because of the outbreak. The government also noted that temporary border measures are in place for travellers who have been to the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan within the preceding 21 days.

Under Canada’s temporary border measures, Canadians and Canadian permanent residents are required to quarantine for 21 days while monitoring their health. Those who exhibit symptoms upon arrival will be placed in isolation at a medical facility following a medical assessment, according to the federal government. Ebola is described by the federal government as serious and “often fatal.”

For travellers headed to the United States, the process for making the attestation may vary by airline. The evidence provided indicates that some airlines collect attestations during online check-in, while others use printed attestations at check-in counters and gates, so travellers are advised to confirm how the form will be collected before boarding.