Airlines Urge CDC to Delay DRC Travel Declaration
Airline groups asked U.S. health authorities to postpone a new certification requirement for international air passengers arriving from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Air Travel
Airlines for America and IATA sent letters to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on October 26 and 27 asking for the health declaration to be delayed. The requirement, which took effect November 3, obliges international air passengers to certify they have not visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the previous 21 days.
Why it matters
Airlines say they need more time to change check-in systems, electronic signatures, airport procedures and staff training before collecting individual declarations. The industry is also arguing for a more targeted, risk-based approach rather than the blanket requirement applied to air travelers.
The declaration requires certification of no DRC visit in the prior 21 days and applies only to air passengers, not travelers entering by land or sea. IATA argues no evidence has been provided that existing restrictions on recent DRC travelers were insufficient, and the response from the CDC has not been reported.
The players
Airlines for America
A trade association representing major U.S. airlines that advocates for the airline industry on regulatory and policy matters.
IATA
The International Air Transport Association, a global trade group representing airlines worldwide that sets industry standards and advocates for air transport policy.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The federal public health agency responsible for disease control and prevention in the United States, which issued the health declaration requirement.
The details
IATA is calling for a more targeted approach based on health risks, while Airlines for America is calling for the deadline to be extended. Passengers would certify DRC travel history through individual declarations collected by airlines, which could be especially difficult at major connecting hubs where some connections allow only one hour between flights and boarding.
Timeline
October 26 and 27: Airline associations send letters to the CDC.
November 3: The health declaration requirement takes effect.
Travel Outlook
The declaration extends the CDC's outbreak-based entry restrictions to a per-passenger certification requirement for air travel, a step that differs from land and sea entries. Airline groups are asking for a more targeted, risk-based model rather than a blanket requirement.
Travelers flying into the United States from the Democratic Republic of the Congo will need to certify their travel history with their airline, so check current requirements before booking. Passengers connecting through major hubs should allow extra time at check-in given the tight connection windows.
The takeaway
Air travelers connecting from the Democratic Republic of the Congo should expect certification steps at check-in and build extra buffer time into itineraries. Watch for any CDC update on the November 3 deadline before finalizing travel plans.
Further reading
For more on how these rules affect flights, see Air Travel.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Travelnews.
