Risk of Ebola: without this document, you will soon no longer be able to board a flight to the United States

Going to the United States will soon require additional formality, even for travelers who have never set foot in Africa.

As of November 3, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. US East Coast time – or November 4 at 5:59 a.m. in Paris – all passengers on international flights to the country will be required to sign a health certificate intended to limit the risk of introducing the Ebola virus.

Announced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American health agency, this obligation will apply without distinction of nationality or country of departure.

Each tourist must certify on their honor that they have not been present in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during the 21 days preceding their flight to American territory.

This period corresponds to the maximum incubation period retained for Ebola virus disease.

A French person boarding Paris, a Canadian or an American national will therefore have to complete the same document, even if they have never stayed in Africa.

With this declaration, the authorities intend to verify the recent movements of each passenger, and not just their place of origin.

Please note: a simple connection in a Congolese airport is considered a presence in the DRC, even without leaving the airport or getting off the plane.

Unless exempted, those concerned will have to wait until the 22nd day following their departure from the country to board the United States.

Airlines will be responsible for ensuring that everyone has completed and signed their declaration before boarding.

The document can be delivered on paper or in digital form, depending on the terms chosen by the carrier.

Otherwise, boarding will be refused.

This requirement will also concern travelers who transit through an American airport to reach another international destination.

However, it will not apply to arrivals by land or sea.

Each passenger must have their own certificate.

For minors under the age of 18, a parent, guardian or other authorized person may sign on their behalf.

Carriers will then have to keep them for at least 42 days after the flight arrives in the country.

This decision comes as the DRC faces an epidemic linked to the Bundibugyo virus, one of those responsible for Ebola virus disease.

According to a report from Congolese health authorities reported on October 27 by AFP, 10,060 people have been infected and 4,887 have died since the virus was detected in May.

The absence of an approved vaccine and treatment complicates the health response.

Decided by the American authorities, and not imposed by an international body, this system aims to reduce the risk of introducing the virus by air.

The certificate is, however, not a medical certificate guaranteeing the absence of illness: it only concerns travel made during the three weeks preceding the flight.

A few days before its entry into force, tourists who are planning a stay or a connection in the United States will therefore have to check with their company how to submit the form.

An additional step to anticipate to prevent a missing document from compromising your departure.