International travellers heading to the United States should be aware of a new health declaration requirement that took effect on November 3, 2026, following an order issued by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Under the new requirement, all passengers boarding international flights to the United States must sign an attestation confirming that they have not visited or transited through the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) within the 21 days before their flight.
The measure was introduced as part of efforts to reduce the risk of Ebola transmission through international air travel.
Airlines are responsible for collecting the signed declaration before boarding. Passengers who fail to complete the required attestation may be denied boarding.
The requirement applies to all travellers, regardless of nationality, including passengers connecting through the United States. Travellers who have visited or transited through the DRC within the specified 21-day period should contact their airline for guidance.
What This Means for Nigerian Travellers
Nigerians planning trips to the United States are advised to confirm their recent travel history and check with their airlines for the required documentation before departure. Completing all necessary travel formalities ahead of time can help prevent unexpected delays or denied boarding.
Travellers should also monitor official travel advisories for further updates as international health requirements evolve.
Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Qatar Airways Travel Alerts.
