Flying to the U.S.? Ebola travel declaration required from late Nov. 3

Every passenger on an international flight to the United States, including U.S. citizens and green card holders, must declare they have not been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the past 21 days. Travelers without the form will be denied boarding.

Starting with flights departing at or after 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, Nov. 3, every traveler boarding an international flight to the United States must complete an Ebola-related travel declaration, under an order from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Passengers without the declaration will be denied boarding.

Travelers must confirm that they have not been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the 21 days before boarding. Airport transits count, even if the passenger never left the plane. The rule applies to U.S. citizens, green card holders, foreign visitors and passengers connecting through the United States, so Turkish Americans returning from trips abroad are covered as well.

A colorized electron microscope image of Ebola virus particles

Children need their own attestation, which an authorized adult may complete for them. Crew members and people aboard private and cargo aircraft are included. Airlines will provide and collect the forms on paper or electronically, and knowingly giving false information can lead to prosecution. The requirement does not apply at land borders or seaports.

The CDC issued the order on Oct. 22 and amended it on Oct. 28 to keep the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, now spreading in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, from entering the country. The 21-day window reflects the virus's maximum incubation period. Travelers should check their airline's instructions before heading to the airport.

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