New CDC Travel Attestations to Take Effect November 3

Travelers entering the U.S. from specific regions must provide health attestations starting next week.

Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Africa

Bold vector editorial illustration of a stylized, minimalist airport gate interior in coral and teal, depicting modern travel security procedures. — Starting November 3, 2026, the CDC will mandate that travelers arriving in the U.S. from the Democratic Republic of the Congo submit health attestations. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Starting November 3, 2026, the CDC will require travelers to submit a signed health attestation regarding potential exposure to Ebola. This measure impacts passengers arriving in the United States who have been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo within the previous 21 days.

Why it matters

This rule is intended to screen international arrivals for potential Ebola exposure, adding a new health security layer for U.S. travelers. Officials emphasize that the policy reflects current epidemiological assessments of international travel risks.

Travelers must ensure their passport has at least one blank page and six months of validity, while yellow fever vaccinations are mandatory for anyone aged nine months or older. The attestation requirement mandates a 21-day lookback period regarding presence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The players

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

This federal agency is the national public health institute of the United States and manages protocols for disease prevention and international travel.

U.S. State Department

This federal executive department is responsible for the international relations of the United States and issues official travel advisories for American citizens abroad.

The details

U.S. citizens planning travel to the Republic of Congo must secure a visa in advance from a Congolese embassy or consulate. The State Department warns of increased risks due to violent crime, including carjacking and armed robbery, and advises travelers that photographing military or government sites is illegal.

28 October 2026: The CDC issued an amended order regarding passenger health attestations.
30 October 2026: The Federal Register published the formal CDC attestation order.
3 November 2026: The new CDC travel attestation order takes effect for U.S.-bound passengers.
18 December 2026: The current CDC attestation order is scheduled to expire.

Travel Outlook

This mandate follows a pattern established by prior CDC travel attestation orders meant to mitigate the importation of infectious diseases. Such requirements highlight the ongoing tension between maintaining open international travel corridors and enforcing localized public health screenings.

Travelers planning to enter the U.S. from the Democratic Republic of the Congo must ensure they have their signed attestations ready before boarding to avoid flight delays. Those visiting the Republic of Congo should anticipate strict local travel constraints, including mandatory vaccination requirements for all family members over nine months old.

The takeaway

Travelers should verify all current health mandates and visa status well in advance of their departure date to ensure compliance with changing federal regulations. Maintaining updated records and understanding destination-specific safety risks is essential for navigating current international travel requirements.