CDC Mandates DRC Travel Declaration for All U.S.-Bound Flights

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a new travel order that takes effect immediately. All passengers and crew on flights entering or connecting through the United States must sign a statement confirming they have not been in the Democratic Republic of Congo within the previous 21 days. The rule applies to every air traveler, regardless of whether the flight is direct or involves a layover. Airlines will need to add the declaration form to their pre‑flight paperwork and verify compliance before boarding. Failure to provide the required statement could result in denied boarding or additional screening. The measure expands the CDC’s existing health‑screening protocols and adds a mandatory self‑reporting step for anyone who has recently visited the DRC.