U.S.-bound flyers must certify they skipped the Congo for 21 days
Published Date: 10/30/2026
Notice
Summary
Starting November 3, 2026, anyone flying to the U.S. from another country must sign a statement saying they haven’t been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the last 21 days. This rule applies to passengers and crew and will stay in effect until December 18, 2026. Airlines must check these attestations before boarding, helping keep everyone safe without extra costs for travelers.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Penalties for False or Missing Attestations
If you fail to provide the required attestation or knowingly submit a false attestation, you may be delayed, denied boarding (including future boarding), and subject to criminal penalties under statutes such as 18 U.S.C. 1001 and related public health laws. The Order also authorizes criminal penalties and fines for carriers that fail to comply (e.g., fines up to $100,000 for individuals and $200,000 for organizations and/or imprisonment up to one year, as cited).
Must Sign Attestation If You Flew From Abroad
If you are a passenger or crew member on any aircraft destined for the United States from another country, you must present a signed paper or digital statement saying you have not been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during the 21 days before boarding. This requirement is effective for flights departing at or after 11:59 p.m. EST on November 3, 2026, and remains in effect through 11:59 p.m. EST on December 18, 2026.
Airlines Must Verify and Keep Attestations
Airlines and other aircraft operators must review each person's completed attestation at or before boarding, not board anyone who fails to present one, and keep a paper or digital copy for at least 42 days after the flight departs. They must give those attestations to the U.S. Government on request.
Transit Through DRC Counts as Presence
The Order defines 'presence in the DRC' to include any physical presence in the country, including entering or traveling through the DRC by air, land, or sea, and specifically includes connecting through an airport in the DRC even if the traveler did not disembark. Overflights that do not land in the United States are excluded. A person present in the DRC may board a U.S.-bound flight no earlier than day 22 after departure from the DRC.
Limited Exemptions Exist
Certain people and operations are exempt from this attestation requirement, including aircraft operators transporting persons with Ebola under U.S. Government authorization and individuals granted a CDC exemption for humanitarian or other important government considerations (for example, emergency medical evacuations). Exempted persons may have additional conditions such as post-arrival monitoring or self-quarantine.
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Key Dates
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