International travelers to U.S. face new mandatory health declaration starting November 3

GREAT BAY--International travelers, including passengers departing St. Maarten for the United States or connecting through American airports, will be required to complete a new mandatory health declaration beginning November 3, 2026, as U.S. authorities introduce additional screening measures aimed at preventing the spread of Ebola. The requirement applies to all passengers arriving by international flights, regardless of nationality, country of departure or whether they have recently traveled to an area affected by the disease.

The new measure, announced by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on October 22, requires passengers to sign a declaration confirming that they have not been physically present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during the 21 days before boarding their flight. The requirement takes effect at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on November 3 and applies to international flights departing for the United States at or after that time.

The declaration, officially known as an attestation, is part of the U.S. government's response to an Ebola outbreak in the DRC. The 21-day period reflects the maximum incubation period of the disease, during which an infected person may develop symptoms following exposure.

Under the new rules, airlines and aircraft operators must ensure that passengers complete and sign the declaration before boarding. Travelers who fail or refuse to provide the required statement will not be permitted to board their flight unless they have received an exemption from the U.S. government.

Requirement Applies to All International Passengers

The CDC has confirmed that the measure applies not only to foreign visitors but also to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents returning to the United States from abroad. Passengers using American airports solely to connect to another international destination must also comply.

This means travelers departing Princess Juliana International Airport for the United States will be subject to the declaration requirement, even if they have never visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo or another Ebola-affected country.

Passengers will be able to complete the declaration electronically or on paper, depending on the procedures established by their airline. The CDC has encouraged airlines to incorporate the requirement into their online check-in systems, reservation applications or boarding procedures.

Each passenger must have an individual declaration. For children under the age of 18, a parent, guardian or another authorized person must complete and sign the statement on their behalf.

What Travelers From St. Maarten Should Know

Residents and visitors planning flights from St. Maarten to the United States from November 3 onward are encouraged to review their airline's instructions before departure and ensure they complete any required declaration during check-in or before boarding.

The additional requirement does not replace existing passport, visa or other immigration requirements for entry into the United States.

Travelers should also be aware that the declaration applies even when the United States is only a connecting point on their journey.

The CDC said the measure is intended to strengthen efforts to prevent Ebola from entering the United States through international air travel. American authorities have reported no U.S. cases associated with the current outbreak.

The announcement comes as governments and airlines continue adjusting public health safeguards in response to developments involving infectious diseases and international travel.

Travelers Who Recently Visited Congo Face Restrictions

The new declaration also reinforces existing restrictions on travelers who have recently visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

According to the CDC, individuals who have been physically present in the country during the preceding 21 days are generally prohibited from boarding flights to the United States unless they receive a specific government exemption.

This includes travelers who only transited through an airport in the DRC, even if they remained inside the airport or aboard an aircraft.

The CDC explained that the day a traveler leaves the DRC is considered Day 0. Such passengers may become eligible to travel to the United States beginning on Day 22, provided they meet all other entry requirements.

Airlines will be responsible for collecting the declarations and retaining copies for at least 42 days after passengers arrive in the United States. The records must be made available to American authorities when requested for compliance verification or public health investigations.

Passengers who knowingly provide false or misleading information could face criminal penalties, including fines or imprisonment under U.S. federal law.

The requirement applies to international flights arriving in the United States, including commercial and private aircraft. It does not apply to domestic flights within the United States or to travelers arriving through land borders or seaports.

The new declaration is not a requirement for all travelers to undergo Ebola testing or obtain an additional vaccination. Rather, it requires passengers to confirm their recent travel history before being allowed to board.

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