A passenger rushing to catch a flight from Casablanca to New York could be turned away at the boarding gate for forgetting to complete a new health declaration. From Wednesday, 4 November, anyone flying to the United States will have to confirm that they have not been in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during the previous 21 days. The requirement applies to all travellers, including Moroccan passengers, US citizens, green card holders and children.
The rule takes effect at 05:59 Moroccan time (23:59 EST on Tuesday, 3 November). Airlines must refuse boarding to anyone who fails to submit the declaration, under an order issued by US health authorities.
The measure is part of the US response to an outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in the DRC. The 21-day period reflects the maximum time the virus can take to develop symptoms after infection.
The requirement also covers passengers connecting through a US airport before travelling to another country.
How can passengers complete the declaration?
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) allows airlines to collect the information in several ways. Passengers can fill in a paper form, sign electronically or tick a box during online check-in, as long as their declaration can be verified.
Every passenger must complete a separate declaration. Parents or authorised representatives can sign on behalf of children under 18.
Passengers travelling directly from Morocco to the US will have their declarations checked before departure. Those flying through a European airport can complete the form during their stopover, either at check-in or before boarding their connecting flight to the United States.
Anyone who has been in the DRC must wait until the 22nd day after leaving the country before boarding a flight to the US, unless they have an official exemption.
Even a brief stop at a Congolese airport counts as being in the country, including when passengers remain inside the aircraft.
Airlines face additional checks
The CDC later expanded the measure to cover not only passengers but also flight crews and people travelling on cargo and private aircraft.
Airlines must keep copies of the declarations for at least 42 days after each flight’s departure. US authorities can request these records for checks and contact tracing.
The new requirements have raised concerns among airlines, which say the short deadline makes implementation difficult across international booking and check-in systems.
On 29 October, major US and international airline groups asked the CDC to reconsider the rules, pointing to the logistical challenges of introducing new checks across their global networks within days.
Travellers who deliberately provide false information could face criminal prosecution in the United States.
The restrictions are scheduled to remain in force until 18 December 2026, unless US authorities lift or extend them earlier.
