U.S. airline groups want health officials to reconsider a Nov. 3 attestation requirement for U.S.-bound flights, arguing carriers need more preparation time and asking that some travelers be exempted.
Passengers and crew traveling to the United States would submit a digital or paper statement confirming they had not been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during the previous 21 days, Reuters reported. The news agency described the measure’s goal as preventing entry by travelers who may have been exposed to Ebola.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Airlines for America sent separate letters to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Reuters reported after examining the correspondence. IATA argued that the rollout leaves carriers little time to integrate the requirement into their operations. Airlines for America said airlines would need to adjust check-in and airport processes and prepare their staff.
Airlines for America also sought exemptions for airline crew, U.S. military personnel and people traveling in jumpseats. The group cited U.S. Customs and Border Protection figures showing roughly 130 million air passengers were screened in 2025. Fewer than 25,000 had a DRC-related travel connection, Reuters reported.
IATA challenged the rule’s coverage, saying it applies to air travel while leaving sea and land routes outside the measure. Earlier CDC restrictions barred foreign passengers with recent DRC travel, then were extended to U.S. citizens in July, Reuters reported. The new attestation requirement is scheduled to start Tuesday, Nov. 3.
