A new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requirement is now in force for people boarding flights to the United States from abroad. Travelers must sign a statement confirming they have not been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during the 21 days before their flight. The rule took effect at 11:59 p.m.
It applies to flights departing from any foreign country, not only those coming directly from the DRC. Airlines and other aircraft operators must check that everyone on board has completed the attestation and deny boarding to anyone who has not, unless the U.S. government has granted an exemption. The order is scheduled to remain in effect until 11:59 p.m.
Eastern on December 18, unless it is changed or rescinded earlier. Newsweek has reached out to the CDC, the Department of Transportation and airline representatives for comment via email outside office hours. Passengers must sign a paper or digital statement confirming they have not been in the DRC in the previous 21 days.
The requirement applies to people on commercial, private, general aviation and cargo flights. It also applies when the U.S. is a connecting point rather than the traveler’s final destination. Time spent transiting through a DRC airport counts, even if a traveler did not leave the plane.
Airlines can collect the attestation during check-in or at the gate. They must retain each completed form for 42 days after the flight arrives in the U.S. Travelers who have been in the DRC during the 21-day period cannot board a U.S.-bound flight until 21 days have passed since they left the country.
The CDC says this applies to U.S. citizens and nationals as well as other travelers. The CDC says the rule is intended to reduce the risk of Ebola being introduced into the U.S. The 21 days reflect the disease’s maximum incubation period.
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