U.S.: New Health Declaration for All International Air Travelers Effective November 3, 2026

Effective November 3, 2026, a new requirement will apply to all international air travelers to the U.S.: A health declaration must be submitted prior to departure. This requirement is based on an order signed on October 22, 2026, by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is being introduced as part of Ebola prevention measures. This applies without exception to all passengers who wish to enter the U.S. by air—regardless of nationality, purpose of travel, or place of departure.

Specifically, the new declaration requires each traveler to confirm that they have not been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo or transited through that country in the 21 days prior to departure. This measure stems from U.S. authorities’ concern about the potential introduction of the Ebola virus via international air travel. This measure is thus part of a series of health-related entry controls that have been implemented in recent years in response to various infection risks.

For the vast majority of travelers who have no connection to the region in question, the new declaration is unlikely to pose a practical obstacle—however, it will become a mandatory part of the entry formalities and must be completed accurately and truthfully. It is important to note that this health declaration is required in addition to existing entry documents, such as ESTA for the U.S. or a regular visa, and does not replace them. Anyone who already holds a valid visa or ESTA authorization must therefore still submit the new declaration before departure.

Since U.S. entry requirements are multi-tiered anyway and vary depending on nationality, purpose of travel, and length of stay, it is advisable to clarify all necessary documents well in advance of your trip. Here at buch-dein-visum.de, we help travelers gather the appropriate documents for entry into the U.S. and submit the relevant applications on your behalf—whether it’s for a U.S. tourist visa or the ESTA electronic travel authorization.

It’s also worth taking a look at the costs associated with a U.S. visa, as additional requirements—such as the new health declaration—can increase the amount of preparation needed for your trip. Those planning a trip on short notice should keep in mind that, starting in November 2026, an additional step will be added to the entry process, which must be completed carefully and on time to avoid delays or problems during check-in.

As a general rule, anyone planning a trip to the U.S. in the coming months should familiarize themselves with all current entry requirements well in advance, as requirements—as this example shows—can change on short notice. A streamlined application process with professional guidance helps ensure that all necessary forms, declarations, and approvals are submitted correctly and on time.