US introduces new health declaration requirement for travellers

A temporary health declaration requirement has been introduced from 4 November 2026 for anyone travelling to, or connecting through, the United States.

Travellers will be required to confirm that they have not been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) within the previous 21 days.

The measure has been introduced by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the DRC and applies to all travellers, regardless of nationality, including US citizens and those transiting through the United States.

The 21-day timeframe reflects the maximum incubation period for Ebola. Anyone who has been in the DRC during this period may be subject to travel restrictions and could be unable to travel to the US until 22 days after leaving the country.

Airlines are responsible for collecting the declarations, although the process may vary between carriers. Travellers may be asked to complete the declaration before departure, and those who do not do so may be denied boarding.

Separate entry restrictions also apply to travellers who have recently visited Uganda or South Sudan. We recommend checking the latest CDC guidance and airline requirements before travel.

The CDC has advised that the overall risk to travellers and the wider public remains low.

How long will this requirement be in place?

The current requirement is expected to remain in place until 18 December 2026, although US authorities may extend, amend or withdraw the measures depending on public health conditions.

With airline processes varying and the potential for requirements to change at short notice, we encourage travellers and travel managers to stay informed of the latest guidance ahead of any trip to the United States.

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