US to Require Ebola Travel Declaration for All International Air Passengers Starting November 4, Philippine Time

Travelers flying to the United States, including passengers from the Philippines, will be required to complete a new travel health declaration beginning November 4, 2026, Philippine time, following an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The Philippine Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) has issued a travel advisory informing the public of the additional requirement being implemented by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The measure is intended to help prevent the possible introduction and spread of Ebola in the United States.

What is the new travel requirement?

Under the CDC order, all passengers boarding international flights to the United States must complete an attestation, or a signed declaration, confirming that they have not been physically present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the 21 days before boarding their flight.

The requirement takes effect on November 3, 2026, at 11:59 PM U.S. Eastern Standard Time, equivalent to November 4, 2026, at 12:59 PM Philippine Standard Time.

It applies to flights departing from foreign countries to the United States at or after the specified time.

The requirement is scheduled to remain in effect until December 18, 2026, unless modified, extended, or rescinded earlier.

Does this apply to Filipino travelers?

Yes. The requirement applies to international air passengers traveling to or connecting through the United States, regardless of nationality, subject to limited government-authorized exemptions.

This includes Filipino tourists, overseas Filipino workers, U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and other international travelers.

Even passengers who have never visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo must complete the declaration.

Travelers who have been in the DRC within the preceding 21 days will generally not be permitted to board flights bound for the United States.

The restriction also covers passengers who transited through an airport in the DRC, even if they did not leave the aircraft or airport premises.

What documents should travelers prepare?

Passengers must complete a separate attestation for each person traveling on a U.S.-bound flight.

The declaration may be submitted on paper or electronically, depending on the airline’s procedures. Parents, guardians, or other authorized representatives may complete the declaration on behalf of minors or passengers who cannot complete it themselves.

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has advised its passengers to download, print, complete, and sign the required CDC attestation form before arriving at the airport.

PAL passengers departing on U.S.-bound flights should submit the completed form to the airline’s check-in agent. Passengers connecting through Manila to a U.S.-bound PAL flight should present the form at the boarding gate.

Other airlines may have different procedures, so travelers are encouraged to confirm the requirements directly with their airline before departure.

Passengers who fail to submit the required declaration may be denied boarding. Knowingly providing false information may also result in legal penalties.

What if a traveler recently visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

Under the CDC requirement, travelers who have been physically present in the DRC during the previous 21 days must complete the required waiting period before boarding a flight to the United States.

The CDC considers the day a traveler leaves the DRC as Day 0. The traveler may board a U.S.-bound flight beginning on Day 22, provided all other entry requirements are satisfied.

This restriction also applies to individuals who only transited through an airport in the DRC.

Limited exemptions may be granted by the U.S. government for humanitarian or other important government considerations.

Why is the requirement being implemented?

The additional travel measure follows an Ebola Virus Disease outbreak associated with the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Ebola is a serious infectious disease that can spread through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person or contaminated materials.

The CDC explains that the 21-day period corresponds to the maximum incubation period of Ebola, or the time between infection and the appearance of symptoms.

Despite the outbreak, the CDC maintains that the overall risk to the American public and international travelers remains low.

What about travelers entering the Philippines?

The Bureau of Quarantine clarified that Philippine border health measures continue to follow World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations and the International Health Regulations.

According to the BOQ advisory, the Philippines maintains round-the-clock surveillance and monitoring at international points of entry, including risk-based screening, health assessments, and referrals when necessary.

Philippine travel restrictions and quarantine procedures are determined separately through national public health risk assessments.

The new U.S. requirement does not automatically impose the same restrictions on travelers entering the Philippines.

Important reminders for travelers

Passengers with upcoming flights to the United States are encouraged to:

• Coordinate with their airline regarding the required attestation form and submission procedures.
• Declare their travel history accurately, including countries visited or transited through during the previous 21 days.
• Check the latest entry and transit requirements before departure.
• Allow additional time for airport check-in and document verification.
• Immediately report possible Ebola exposure or symptoms to appropriate health authorities.

Travelers should also remember that the new requirement is a travel-history declaration, not a mandatory Ebola blood test for every international passenger.

Passengers are advised to monitor official announcements from the CDC, Bureau of Quarantine, and their respective airlines, as requirements may change depending on developments in the outbreak.

Sources

• U.S. CDC: Order Requiring Travel Attestation
• U.S. Federal Register: Amended CDC Attestation Order, October 30, 2026
• U.S. CDC: Ebola Outbreak Current Situation
• Philippine Airlines: Mandatory CDC Attestation Advisory
• Philippine Bureau of Quarantine: Ebola Virus Disease Travel Advisory, November 2026