Everyone flying to or through the United States must now sign a declaration that they have not been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in the previous 21 days.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) order applies to flights departing from 11:59pm US Eastern time on 3 November 2026, which is 4:59am on 4 November in Ireland.
For most Irish travellers, this is one extra step at check-in. It matters far more if you have recently been in the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan, as you may not be able to travel to the US for at least 21 days.
The short answer
- Everyone signs. The declaration applies to all nationalities and ages, including passengers connecting through the US. A parent or authorised representative can sign for a child.
- Recently in the DRC? You cannot board a US-bound flight until day 22 after leaving, even if you only stopped there on a connecting flight.
- Recently in Uganda or South Sudan? Irish and other non-US citizens cannot enter the US until at least 21 days after leaving.
- No Ebola vaccine or test is required by this order. There is no licensed vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain causing this outbreak.
- The risk to people in Ireland remains very low, according to the HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).
What is the new US Ebola declaration?
It is a signed statement, known as an attestation, confirming you have not been in the DRC during the 21 days before boarding. The US already restricted travel from affected countries. This order adds a signed record for every person on board.
The declaration applies to:
- All passengers on flights arriving in the US from another country, whatever their nationality or departure airport
- Passengers connecting through the US to another country
- Children, with a parent or authorised representative signing for them
- Crew, as well as passengers on private and cargo flights
It does not apply to flights that only pass over the US without landing. Reported coverage also confirms it does not cover arrivals by land or sea.
How do I complete the declaration?
Follow your airline’s instructions, as each airline runs its own process. The CDC allows paper or digital signatures and encourages airlines to build the step into check-in. Check your airline’s app or website before you travel, and allow extra time if you may need to complete it at the airport.
If you refuse to complete it, you will not be allowed to board. Knowingly giving false information can lead to denied boarding and criminal prosecution under US law. If you are unsure whether your route counts as being in the DRC, speak to your airline before you sign.
What if I have recently been in the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan?
You should plan to stay outside the US for at least 21 days after leaving any of these countries if you are not a US citizen or national. This is set out in CDC guidance updated on 30 October 2026.
| Where you have been in the last 21 days | Irish and other non-US citizens, including Green Card holders | US citizens and nationals |
| DRC | Cannot board a US-bound flight until day 22 | Cannot board a US-bound flight until day 22 |
| Uganda or South Sudan, and not the DRC | Cannot enter the US until at least 21 days after leaving | Must enter through Washington Dulles, Atlanta or New York JFK for health screening |
These rules also apply if your plane stopped in one of these countries, even if you stayed on board. Uganda and South Sudan remain covered, although Uganda declared its outbreak over on 28 July.
How the DRC 21 days are counted: the day you leave is day 0, and the next full calendar day is day 1. For example, if you leave the DRC on 1 November, you can board a US-bound flight from 23 November.
Planning a multi-country trip? Check your full route and dates before you book. A stop in one of these countries can affect a later flight to the US or an onward connection through it.
Do I need an Ebola vaccine or test to fly to the US?
No. The declaration order does not require a vaccine, a test or a letter from a clinic. You simply confirm where you have been.
The current Ebola outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain. HPSC confirms that the two licensed Ebola vaccines target the Zaire strain, and there is no licensed vaccine against Bundibugyo virus disease. Research is ongoing.
Should Irish travellers be worried about Ebola?
Most Irish travellers do not need to worry about catching Ebola, including on a trip to the US. HPSC describes the risk to people in Ireland as very low, and the CDC says no case linked to this outbreak has been confirmed in the US.
The outbreak itself is serious. The CDC reported 10,532 confirmed cases and 5,126 confirmed deaths in the DRC as of 1 November 2026. However, Ebola does not spread easily. It requires direct contact with the blood or body fluids of someone who is sick or has died from the disease, or with contaminated objects. People are not infectious before symptoms begin.
What about travel to Kenya or other neighbouring countries?
Kenya has reported cases but is not named in the current US entry restrictions. That could change, so check the latest advice close to departure. HPSC advises anyone returning from a country neighbouring the affected area to monitor their health for 21 days.
What should I do if I become unwell after travel?
Phone for medical advice immediately and tell them where you have been. Do not go directly to a GP surgery or hospital emergency department without phoning first.
After returning from an affected or neighbouring area, monitor your health for 21 days. HPSC lists symptoms such as fever, severe headache and unexplained bleeding. Early symptoms can also include fatigue, muscle pain and sore throat.
If you had known contact with an Ebola patient or the remains of someone who died from Ebola, contact your Regional Department of Public Health.
What should I do before I fly?
- Check your airline’s instructions for completing the declaration.
- Review your last 21 days and your full route, including stopovers.
- Allow for any waiting period before booking onward travel to the US.
- Check the latest official advice, as these measures can change. The declaration order runs until 18 December 2026 unless changed, and the separate entry restrictions have been renewed in 30-day periods.
How can TMB help?
TMB can review your itinerary and advise on the health risks and precautions for your trip. This is particularly useful if you are travelling to Central or East Africa or planning a multi-country route.
Humanitarian, healthcare and NGO workers going to an affected area should also register their deployment with HPSC before travel. Irish citizens travelling to affected areas are advised to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs.
For US entry decisions, your airline and the official US guidance remain the final word. Book a travel health consultation at tmb.ie, in one of our 22 clinics or online, or call 01 271 5200.
Information correct as of 4 November 2026.
Official resources
- CDC: Information for travellers returning from Ebola-affected areas
- CDC: Current Ebola situation
- HPSC: Ebola frequently asked questions
- Department of Foreign Affairs: Travel advice