US introduces Ebola declaration for air passengers starting November 3

The carrier cites November 3 as the date the rule takes effect. As clarified by the CDC, it applies to flights departing from 23:59 on November 3 (US Eastern Standard Time), which corresponds to 9:59 on November 4 Tashkent time. The declaration is completed on paper or electronically, separately for each person. Transit through an airport in the DRC is also considered a stay in the country, even if the traveler remained on the plane or did not leave the airport.

For passengers under 18 years old, the document is filled out and signed by a parent, guardian, or other authorized person. Passengers will not be allowed to board without the declaration, and providing knowingly false information can lead to criminal liability under US law. The airline advises preparing the document in advance, before arriving at the airport. The form is published on the CDC website.

According to the CDC's explanation, the measure is designed to reduce the risk of Ebola importation amid an outbreak in the DRC, and the 21-day period equals the disease's maximum incubation period. The outbreak was caused by the Bundibugyo strain, and the agency assesses it as the second largest in recorded history. As of October 25, according to CDC data, more than 10,000 cases and 4,891 deaths have been registered, most of them in the DRC. Linked cases have also been identified in Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, and France.