Additional US Entry Requirement For All UK Passengers From 4th November 2026
Riding the Magic
The US government is bringing in a further entry requirement UK visitors to all states, including Florida, will need to complete before flying. People travelling from the UK to the US will need to fill out a form stating they have not been to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the last 21 days. This form is being brought out in response to the current Ebola outbreak.
The new requirement applies to flights departing at or after 11.59pm Eastern Standard Time on 3rd November 2026, which is 4.59am GMT on 4th November. The order is scheduled to remain in force until 11.59pm EST on 18th December, (4.59am GMT on 19th December), although authorities may change or rescind it beforehand.
This is a US government requirement covering international flights to the country, this does include UK visitors flying to Orlando for Disney World and Universal holidays.
New Entry Requirement Details
The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention opens in a new tab has confirmed that flights departing for the US at or after 11.59pm Eastern Standard Time on 3rd November 2026, which is 4.59am GMT on 4th November, will need to have passengers complete a statement confirming they have not been in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the last 21 days. It is the airline who will be responsible for getting the form to passengers.
This requirement will only affect people with flights to the US due to depart between 4th November and 19th December 2026, however this could change.
What is the new requirement? | All passengers leaving the UK on a flight to Florida (and anywhere else in the US) need to complete a form to say whether they have been to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the last 21 days. |
|---|---|
Does everyone have to complete it? | Yes, this form applies to everyone, including children. Parents or guardians will need to complete the form on their behalf |
How do I get a form? | The CDC state forms will be provided by airlines to be completed pre-boarding |
Do I have to complete the form? | Yes, you will need to complete the form before |
Do I need to complete the form before I book my holiday or flight? | No, this is a form you complete just before flying to the US |
What Exactly Is This Entry Requirement?
The new entry requirement is called an attestation. This is a statement that confirms what you say is true, and you will need to sign it "shortly before boarding." The CDC state:
“Confirm, at or shortly before the time of boarding, that all people onboard the aircraft, or a representative authorized to act on their behalf, have completed an attestation (i.e., by physical or authenticated digital signature or through electronic attestation checkbox) confirming that they have not been present in the DRC during the 21 days before boarding a flight to the United States, including transit through a DRC airport whether or not they disembarked.”
If you have been in the DRC in the previous 21 days you will not be able to travel and you will need to wait for 21 days from the time you leave the DRC before you can enter the US.
Why Is The US Introducing The Travel Declaration?
The CDC says the measure aims to reduce the risk of Ebola entering the United States through air travel. It says the overall risk to the American public and travellers remains low.
Do The New Entry Requirements Affect Disney World Holidays From The UK?
Yes, but this is a requirement that is a form to be provided by your airline so look out for further information from them. The CDC state the form must be completed before all passengers board the plane, no matter their age, unless they fall under the exceptions.
For UK holidaymakers going to Disney World and Universal this November and December it is a declaration that you complete after booking your holiday. This is not an entry requirement like an ESTA, which you still also need.
This entry requirement is a short declaration, (a bit like a form) that is a preventative check to help reduce the spread of Ebola. The requirement applies even if you have never visited the DRC.
Magic In A Minute
UK holidaymakers heading to the US, including Orlando for Disney World and Universal holidays will need to complete an attestation to say they have not been in the DRC in the last 21 days. Holidaymakers will need to complete a form shortly before flying which will be provided by their airline.
For further information you can read the full details at Order: Requirement for Attestation by All Persons Traveling by Air to the United States | Port Health | CDC opens in a new tab
Questions UK Travellers May Have
How do I complete the US travel declaration?
Your airline will provide and collect the declaration, also called an attestation. It can be completed on paper or electronically. The CDC advises passengers to check with their airline to find out how it will collect the information.
Do children need a declaration when flying to Florida?
Yes. Airlines must have a record of an attestation for each traveller, including children. A parent, guardian or another authorised representative can complete it on a child's behalf.
What happens if I do not complete the declaration?
Passengers who fail to provide the required attestation will be denied boarding unless they have a US government exemption. Knowingly submitting false information can lead to criminal penalties.
Can I fly to the US after visiting the DRC?
Under the order, travellers who have been in the DRC must complete the waiting period before boarding, unless exempt. The day they leave counts as day zero; boarding is permitted from day 22, subject to other travel requirements.
Airport connections in the DRC count, even if passengers remain on the aircraft.
