CDC DRC flight attestation takes effect November 3
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will require every passenger boarding an international flight to or through the United States to complete a new attestation from November 3, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
The passenger must attest that they were not present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the 21 days before boarding. The rule includes US citizens, US nationals, lawful permanent residents and passengers only connecting through a US airport.
*Original AI-generated OpenSim editorial illustration. The airport, passport, form and aircraft are generic and do not depict a CDC document, airline counter or actual screening event.*
The practical answer: expect the airline to ask for a paper or digital attestation before boarding a covered flight. If you were in the DRC within the previous 21 days, including an airport connection that landed there, do not sign an inaccurate statement. Contact the airline and the relevant US authorities before travel because the order generally prevents boarding during that period.
This guide was checked on October 23, 2026. The requirement had been ordered but was not yet in force.
What changes on November 3
The CDC issued the order on October 22. Its stated effective time is November 3 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Airlines must collect an attestation from each passenger before boarding an international flight that will land in the United States.
The form can be on paper, digital or an authenticated digital checkbox. The airline must retain it for at least 42 days and provide it to the US government when required. Passengers do not have to keep a copy, although saving one can be useful if a later question arises.
The rule is a boarding control, not a visa, vaccination record or health certificate. Completing it does not replace the passport, visa, ESTA or any other requirement for the journey.
Who must complete the attestation
The order applies broadly to passengers arriving by international air, including:
- US citizens and nationals;
- lawful permanent residents;
- visitors and other noncitizens;
- passengers connecting in the United States to another country;
- adults and children on the same booking.
Each passenger needs a separate attestation. An adult may sign for someone under 18 or for a person who cannot sign because of a physical or mental impairment or their age.
The requirement does not apply at land borders or seaports. The CDC also says US territories and possessions are not treated as foreign countries for this order. Check the precise itinerary rather than assuming that every journey with a US connection is international in the same way.
The 21-day rule includes DRC airport connections
The question is whether the passenger was present in the DRC during the 21 days before boarding. According to the CDC's attestation guidance, a connection at a DRC airport counts even if the passenger did not leave the aircraft or enter the terminal. Flying over the country without landing does not count.
For a traveler who left the DRC, the departure date is day zero. The first full calendar day outside the country is day one. The CDC says the traveler may board on day 22, provided every other travel requirement is met.
That day count should be checked against the first covered flight to the United States, not only the final arrival. Keep dated evidence of where the traveler was during the interval, such as boarding passes, entry stamps and accommodation records. The attestation itself does not list a standard evidence bundle, so ask the airline what it needs before going to the airport.
What if you were in the DRC within 21 days
A passenger who was present in the DRC during that period cannot truthfully make the required statement. The CDC says such travelers are generally not permitted to board a commercial flight to or through the United States until the period has passed.
Do not try to solve this at the gate. Contact the operating airline before travel and use the CDC's current returning-traveler guidance. Ask what happens to the ticket, whether a date change is possible and which documents the airline will want when the traveler later checks in.
The order contains limited US government and humanitarian exceptions. These are not routine airline waivers. A traveler should not assume an urgent trip qualifies without written direction from the responsible authority.
The US Department of State currently maintains a Level 4 advisory for the DRC. Anyone considering travel should read the current security and health guidance for the specific provinces involved, not treat this attestation as the only risk or entry issue.
What to do before a US-bound flight
- List every country where each passenger was physically present during the previous 21 days.
- Include airport connections where the aircraft landed, even if no one disembarked.
- Check whether the itinerary lands in or connects through the United States.
- Read the airline's current check-in message and allow time for a document review.
- Complete one accurate attestation for each passenger.
- Keep travel dates and supporting records available offline.
- Recheck the CDC page shortly before departure in case the order or form changes.
If a travel agent issued the ticket, ask the operating airline about the attestation and the agent about any ticket change. Those are separate questions. An airline can control boarding while the ticket issuer controls rebooking or refunds.
Mobile data for a complicated itinerary
OpenSim's live catalog had plans for the United States and a global 120+ areas plan when this guide was reviewed. The US plan can fit a trip focused on the arrival country. A multi-country plan may be more practical when a lawful itinerary includes several supported destinations.
Read the selected package's current country list, allowance, validity, speed, hotspot terms and top-up field before checkout. A global label does not mean every country or every network is included. If a traveler must spend time outside the DRC before becoming eligible to board, choose coverage for the place where they will actually stay.
Mobile data can help retrieve airline messages, contact the ticket issuer and check official updates on the ground. It does not change the 21-day count, create an exception or replace the attestation. Install the eSIM over reliable Wi-Fi and check phone compatibility before travel.
Ten questions about the CDC DRC flight attestation
Does the attestation apply to US citizens and green card holders?
Yes. The CDC says US citizens, US nationals and lawful permanent residents are included, along with other passengers boarding covered international flights.
Does a US airport connection count if my final destination is elsewhere?
Yes. A passenger connecting through the United States to another country must complete the attestation before boarding the flight that lands in the US.
Does a connection at a DRC airport count as being present there?
Yes. It counts if the aircraft landed in the DRC, even when the passenger stayed on board. An overflight without a landing does not count.
How is the 21-day period counted after leaving the DRC?
The departure date is day zero and the first full calendar day outside the DRC is day one. The CDC says boarding can occur on day 22 if every other requirement is satisfied.
What proof should I carry after spending 21 days elsewhere?
The attestation page does not prescribe one universal packet. Keep dated boarding passes, passport stamps and accommodation records, then ask the operating airline what it expects to review.
Does every family member need a separate form?
Yes. There must be one attestation per passenger. One adult can sign for a child under 18 or for someone unable to sign because of age or an impairment.
Can I complete the attestation online?
Yes, if the airline offers a compliant digital form or authenticated checkbox. Paper is also allowed. Follow the operating airline's instructions for the specific flight.
Do I need the form when entering by land or sea?
No. This CDC order applies to international air passengers. It does not impose the same attestation at land borders or seaports.
Must I keep a copy after boarding?
No. The CDC says the passenger is not required to retain a copy. The airline must retain the attestation for at least 42 days, but keeping a copy may still be useful.
What should I do if I was in the DRC less than 21 days ago?
Do not sign a false attestation. Contact the airline and review current CDC guidance before travel. The order generally prevents boarding a covered commercial flight during that period, subject only to limited official exceptions.
Source boundaries and next review
The CDC order and its passenger guidance control the effective time, covered flights, passenger scope, DRC airport connections, day count, signing options and retention period. Airlines control their check-in process and ticket handling. Government authorities control any exception and US admission decision.
The World Health Organization's DRC outbreak page provides the public-health context. This article does not offer medical advice or infer an individual health risk from a travel history.
Public traveler discussions were used to identify practical questions about third-country stays, evidence, airline clearance and DRC airport connections. They were not used as authority for the rule.
Review this guide when the order takes effect, when the CDC changes the form or 21-day calculation, or when the agency withdraws or replaces the requirement.
*CDC, State Department, WHO, public-question, Google policy and OpenSim catalog sources were reviewed on October 23, 2026.*
