6 New Rules for Canadians Flying to US Include CDC Health Declaration for Ebola Risk

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now requires passengers on international flights to the United States, including those departing Canada, to complete a health attestation before boarding. The requirement took effect November 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Passengers must confirm they have not been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the 21 days before their flight. The rule applies regardless of nationality, including Canadian and U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

The headline’s reference to six new rules is not established by the CDC requirement described here. The order sets out one attestation requirement, with instructions for people who have recently been in the country and for children completing forms.

Aircraft crew are covered, too. The agency issued its order on October 22, 2026, and amended it on October 28 to clarify that point.

A recent visit to the DRC can delay boarding until Day 22

Anyone physically present in the DRC during the 21 days before a flight is generally barred from boarding a U.S.-bound aircraft. That includes a traveller who only connected through an airport there.

The CDC’s waiting-period count begins on the day a person leaves. A traveller must spend 21 full calendar days outside the country before boarding a flight to the United States.

• Day 0: The day the traveller leaves the DRC.
• Day 1: The following day, when the 21-day count begins.
• Day 22: The first day the traveller may board, if all other U.S. entry requirements are met.

The agency set the period to match the maximum incubation period for Ebola. It says rare exemptions may be granted, including for humanitarian cases or other important government considerations.

Airlines collect the declaration before passengers board

Airlines and other aircraft operators provide and collect the attestation for the U.S. Government before boarding. Passengers who do not sign it will be denied boarding.

The CDC states:

“As required by United States federal law, all airlines or other aircraft operators will provide and collect the attestation on behalf of the U.S. Government prior to boarding.”

Airlines may handle the paperwork differently. Air Canada collected a traveller’s declaration digitally during online check-in. Porter said passengers must complete a paper form collected during boarding, and the airline is exploring digital options. Flair offers completion during online check-in or at an airport counter.

Each passenger needs an individual attestation. A parent, guardian or other authorized representative may complete one for a child under 18.

Check with your airline about its process and finish the form before boarding. Anyone recently present in the DRC should count the full waiting period before booking a U.S.-bound flight.