The CDC will require an attestation before boarding flights departing a foreign country for the United States at or after November 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Each person must attest that they have not been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the previous 21 days, unless exempted by the U.S. Government.
Who is covered
- This includes travelers only connecting through the United States, U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
- A connection at an airport in the Democratic Republic of the Congo counts as presence, even without leaving the aircraft.
- A record is required for each person. A parent, guardian or other authorized representative may sign for a child.
How to prepare
The airline provides and collects the attestation, on paper or digitally. Check its process; there is no general requirement to print it before reaching the airport. Without the required attestation or an exemption, boarding is denied.
Dates and scope
The original order dates from October 22 and the amended order from October 28. The latter runs through December 18, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST, unless changed. The form’s March 31, 2027 OMB date is not the requirement’s expiry.
This article concerns air travel. CDC says overall risk to the American public and travelers remains low. Review its page and your airline’s instructions before traveling.
Cover: AI-generated conceptual illustration; it does not depict an official form or an actual procedure.