The United States is introducing a new formality for entry into their territory. Every passenger on an international flight will now have to sign a certificate confirming that they have not stayed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the last 21 days. The CDC, the US federal health agency, signed the order on October 22, in response to the Ebola epidemic in the country. The requirement applies to flights departing from a foreign country to the United States starting November 3 at 23:59 Eastern time. For a departure from Paris, it will therefore apply from November 4 at 5:59. It is expected to remain in effect until December 18, unless modified.
The obligation applies to all passengers, regardless of their point of departure. A business traveler boarding in Paris for New York will therefore have to sign the certificate, even if there is no connection to Africa. The document can be submitted on paper or in digital format. The CDC provides airlines with a standard form to fill out in PDF format.
A 21-day period after a stay in the DRC
Travelers who have been to the DRC must remain outside the United States for 21 days after leaving the country. They will be able to enter the country starting on the 22nd day. This period corresponds to the maximum incubation period of the virus.
For the majority of travelers, the procedure consists of a simple signature. However, a recent stay in the DRC is sufficient to block departure to the United States for three weeks. Specifically, the form will be submitted to the airline: it is best to check beforehand before presenting yourself at the airport, especially for the first departures on November 4. Finally, the date of December 18 is not final. The CDC may extend, modify or lift the requirement depending on the evolution of the epidemic, which will be monitored by travelers departing during the holidays.
