New rules for anyone travelling to or via the US come into effect
New rules for travellings heading to the USA have come into effect today, in response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Africa.
A notice issued by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said changes would apply for any flights after November 3, 2026, at 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time.
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. Getty Images
“All people boarding an international flight to the United States must attest (sign a statement) that they have not been present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in the 21 days before boarding a flight to the United States,” the notice read.
The new rules apply to all travellers who intend to board a flight destined for the United States, even if only in transit, unless they have an exemption issued by the US Government.
The Ebola outbreak is spreading substantially faster than previous outbreaks and is now the second-largest Ebola outbreak on record.
The World Health Organization first declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo in June, calling it a “public health emergency of international concern”.
Cases have now been reported in neighbouring countries, including Uganda, Kenya, and Nigeria.
For now, the new US entry requirements only impact travellers who have been to DRC.
“Willfully providing false or misleading information may lead to criminal fines and imprisonment,” the CDC warned.
Anyone who has been to the DRC will not be allowed to enter the US until 22 days after the visit.
The Australian Government’s Smartraveller website also warns of “enhanced screening”.
“If you show signs of illness, US authorities may prevent you from boarding a US-bound flight. Expect enhanced screening procedures, including for domestic flights within the United States,” the website said.
Thailand also introduces new entry rules for travellers in response to the outbreak. Getty Images
It comes after travellers heading to Thailand were also warned of new entry rules now in place in response to the current Ebola outbreak.
New screening measures have been introduced that could impact visiting Australians.
“If you’ve stayed in or transited through Ebola disease-affected countries, you’ll be subject to health screening and quarantine requirements on arrival,” said a June update on Smartraveller.
