US-bound passengers must now complete health declaration before check-in

Caribbean Airlines has advised passengers travelling to the United States (US) that they must complete a mandatory attestation form before check-in, in compliance with a new requirement introduced by US health authorities to prevent the introduction of Ebola through air travel.

The requirement takes effect on November 3, 2026, at 22:59h Eastern Standard Time and applies to all persons boarding international flights to the US, regardless of their nationality or country of departure. In a notice issued on Tuesday, Caribbean Airlines said passengers must complete and submit the online form before check-in to avoid delays.

Under an order issued by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), passengers must attest that they have not been physically present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during the 21 days before boarding a flight to the US. The requirement applies even to passengers who transited through an airport in the DRC without leaving the airport.

The order also places specific responsibilities on airlines and other aircraft operators. They are required to verify that passengers have completed and signed the attestation, prevent those without the required declaration from boarding and retain copies of the completed forms for at least 42 days.

Passengers who fail to complete and submit the attestation will be denied boarding, unless they have been granted an applicable exemption by the US Government.

The measure is intended to reduce the risk of Ebola being introduced into the US through air travel. The CDC said the 21-day period reflects the maximum incubation period for Ebola disease. Caribbean Airlines has made the attestation form available through its online portal at https://attest.caribbean-airlines.com.

The airline has also directed passengers to the CDC website for further information on the requirements, including answers to frequently asked questions.