CDC Ebola Declaration Flights to US: Medellín Rules

Under a new CDC Ebola declaration, every passenger on a flight to the United States that departs at or after 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on November 3, 2026 must sign an attestation that they have not been physically present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in the previous 21 days. The rule applies to everyone boarding in Medellín, citizens included.

What the CDC Ebola declaration requires

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued the attestation order on October 22, 2026 and amended it on October 28, when it clarified that the requirement also covers crew on passenger and cargo aircraft. The amendment was published in the Federal Register on October 30, per the CDC.

Passengers must attest that they have not been in the DRC in the 21 days before the flight. That includes airport connections in the DRC, according to the CDC. The CDC says the 21 days reflect the maximum Ebola incubation period and that overall risk to the American public remains low.

Day 0 is the day someone leaves the DRC. Travel to the U.S. is allowed starting on Day 22, per the CDC.

How long it lasts: the signed order says it remains in effect until rescinded or modified, or until December 18, 2026, whichever occurs first. It may be extended or changed, so check before you fly. The attestation is separate from any other Ebola-related travel measures; check the CDC’s travel pages for any that apply to you.

Who has to sign at Medellín’s airport

Everyone, including U.S. citizens, nationals and lawful permanent residents, per the CDC order. It covers anyone boarding a flight into or connecting through the U.S., on commercial and private aircraft alike. Land and sea crossings are not covered. The CDC says Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories are not considered foreign countries, so the order is aimed at flights arriving from abroad. If your itinerary ends in a U.S. territory, confirm with your airline whether a form is required.

For Medellín, that means every departure from José María Córdova (Rionegro) to a U.S. gateway, whether nonstop or connecting. In practice, allow extra time at check-in for early-morning departures, since the airline must confirm the form before you board. Examples include the Avianca Medellín–New York route and the Frontier Orlando nonstop.

How it works at check-in

• The airline collects it. Carriers must confirm a completed attestation at or shortly before boarding and must deny boarding to anyone without one, unless the U.S. government granted an exemption, per the CDC.
• Digital or paper depends on the airline. ColombiaOne reports that Avianca offers a digital option and accepts a signed paper form. We could not find an Avianca notice confirming this, so check Avianca’s or your carrier’s own instructions.
• Each passenger signs individually. A parent or authorized representative can complete it for a minor, and airline staff may help with data entry but cannot attest for you.
• It is a statement, not a test. It is not a medical certificate or entry authorization, and it does not replace your passport or visa.

Penalties and exemptions

A traveler who refuses to attest is denied boarding. Knowingly false attestations can bring criminal fines and imprisonment under 18 U.S.C. § 1001, and the Department of Justice may prosecute, per the CDC. Exemptions are rare and limited to air medical transport of Ebola patients and cases the CDC approves for humanitarian or government reasons. An airline agent cannot grant one at the counter.

What Medellín travelers should do

1. Check your airline’s app or email for the declaration link before you head to the airport.
2. Carry a paper copy if you prefer, signed and dated.
3. Allow extra time at check-in on November 3 and the days right after, since this is a first-week rollout.
4. If you have been in the DRC within 21 days, you cannot truthfully sign and should not plan to board until Day 22.

Quick answers

Do US citizens have to sign? Yes. The order covers all passengers, including citizens and lawful permanent residents, per the CDC.

Does a connection count? Yes, both ways: flights connecting through the U.S. are covered, and an airport connection in the DRC counts as presence there.

What if I was in the DRC recently? You cannot truthfully sign until Day 22 after leaving.

How long will it be in effect? Until the CDC rescinds or modifies it, or December 18, 2026, whichever comes first.

Rules like this can be amended again. Confirm the current text on the CDC order page and with your airline before you fly. This article reflects information available on November 3, 2026.