U.S.: Health Declaration Mandatory for All Air Travelers Starting November 3, 2026

Effective at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on November 3, 2026, a new, mandatory health declaration will apply to all international air travelers entering the United States. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) confirmed the regulation in a guidance document updated on October 30, 2026, and is thus sticking to the originally announced timeline—despite concerns from major aviation associations, which had previously called for a review of the measure.

The new regulation was prompted by an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Although the outbreak is geographically limited, the health declaration has a much broader scope: It applies without exception to all passengers on international flights to the U.S.—regardless of whether they have ever been to Africa or have any connection to the affected regions. Therefore, anyone wishing to enter the United States from Europe, Asia, Latin America, or other parts of the world must submit the declaration, just as travelers with a direct connection to the outbreak area must.

For tourists, business travelers, and all other visitors, this means an additional administrative step before departure. The health declaration is in addition to the already required entry documents, such as the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for the U.S. for nationals of participating countries or a regular U.S. tourist visa for all other travelers. Those who prepare their travel documents well in advance will avoid complications at the check-in counter or during boarding, as airlines are likely to verify compliance with the new requirement.

So far, many practical details regarding the specific implementation—such as the exact format of the declaration, whether it will be submitted digitally via a form or on paper, and exactly what information is required—have not yet been definitively published by the authorities. Travelers should therefore check the current requirements well in advance of departure, as details may still change before the rule takes effect.

Important for planning: The new health declaration does not replace existing visa or entry requirements but is an additional requirement. Travelers who do not yet have a valid entry document should therefore not only take care of the health declaration but also apply for their visa or electronic travel authorization in a timely manner. The U.S. visa overview can help clarify which document is required in each individual case.

Given the short notice of the introduction and the details that are still being finalized, it is advisable to keep a close eye on your travel dates and complete all necessary formalities well in advance. If you need assistance compiling the documents or submitting the application, you can easily have the entire process handled through our application form to avoid delays upon departure or entry.