Planning a trip to the US this winter? Maybe New York for the holidays, a family visit in Texas, or a connection on your way to Canada or Mexico. There’s now one extra piece of paper you’ll need at check-in.
From 4 November 2026, everyone flying to the United States, or connecting through it, must sign a short health attestation form. Emirates has already told passengers to bring a printed copy to the airport.
Here’s what the form is, why it’s needed, how to fill it in, and what else to check before you fly.
Quick answer: All passengers on flights to the US departing at or after 11:59pm EST on 3 November 2026 (early on 4 November, UAE time) must sign a CDC attestation form confirming they haven’t been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in the last 21 days. It applies to everyone, including US citizens and connecting passengers. Each passenger needs their own form. Emirates asks travellers to print it from the US government website, sign it and show it at check-in. The form is free.
What Is the US Attestation Form?
It’s a one-page declaration required by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). By signing it, you confirm that you haven’t been present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the 21 days before boarding your flight to the US.
The CDC issued the order on 22 October 2026 as a public health measure linked to an Ebola outbreak in the DRC. The aim is to reduce the risk of Ebola entering the US through air travel. The CDC has said the overall risk to the American public and travellers remains low.
People who have been in the DRC in the previous 21 days aren’t allowed to fly to the US, unless the US government has given them a specific exemption.
Who Needs to Fill It In?
| Traveller | Form needed? |
| Flying from Dubai, Abu Dhabi or anywhere abroad to the US | Yes |
| Connecting through a US airport to another country | Yes |
| US citizens and green card holders | Yes |
| Children and babies | Yes, one form per person. A parent or guardian can sign for them |
| Passengers with an official US government exemption | Follow the exemption instructions |
Each passenger needs a separate form. Where allowed, an authorised person, such as a parent, travel companion or travel agent, can complete and sign it for someone else.
How to Complete the Form (Emirates Passengers)
- Download the form from the official CDC website. It’s free.
- Print one copy per passenger.
- Fill in the details and tick the confirmation that you haven’t been in the DRC in the past 21 days.
- Sign and date it.
- Bring the physical copy to check-in. Emirates staff will check it before issuing your boarding pass.
- Connecting through the US? Keep the form handy. It may be checked at the boarding gate instead.
Flying another airline? The rule applies to every airline flying to the US, but each one handles it slightly differently. Some let you complete it online during check-in, while Emirates asks for a printed copy. Check your airline’s travel updates before you go.
Tips for Families and Groups
Travelling with kids or a big group? A little planning saves stress at the airport:
- Print all the forms at once, one for each person, including babies.
- Sign the children’s forms yourself, as their parent or guardian.
- Keep all the forms together in a clear folder with your passports.
- Take a photo of each signed form on your phone, just in case.
- Print one or two spare blank forms in case of mistakes.
Flying via Another Country?
The rule follows your final flight into the US, not just flights from the UAE. So if you fly Dubai to London, then London to New York, you’ll need the form for the London to New York flight. The same applies if you connect through Europe, Asia or anywhere else. Keep the signed form with you for the whole journey.
Beware of Fake Form Websites
Whenever a new travel form appears, fake websites pop up offering to “process” it for a fee. The CDC form is free. Download it only from the official CDC website or your airline’s official page. Never pay a third-party site, and never enter card details to get it. Our guide to scam websites explains how to spot fakes.
What Happens If You Forget It?
Without the signed form, you could be delayed or refused boarding. Giving false information is a serious matter and could lead to problems with future travel to the US.
If you arrive at the airport without it, speak to your airline’s check-in staff straight away. Some may be able to help, but don’t count on it. It’s much easier to print it at home.
Your Full US Travel Checklist From the UAE
The new form is just one item. Before you fly to the US, check that you have:
- A valid passport, ideally valid for at least six months beyond your trip
- The right US entry document, such as a valid US visa or an approved ESTA if your nationality qualifies
- The signed CDC attestation form, one per passenger
- Your onward or return booking and accommodation details
- Travel insurance that covers medical costs in the US, where treatment can be very expensive. Your UAE health insurance usually won’t cover it.
- A valid UAE residence visa and Emirates ID for your return, if you’re a resident
Flying from Abu Dhabi? Zayed International Airport has a US preclearance facility, which means many passengers complete US immigration and customs checks in Abu Dhabi before boarding. Allow extra time for this at the airport.
Travelling During the Winter Break?
The UAE school winter break is coming up, and it’s one of the busiest times to fly. You can check the dates in our winter break guide. Book early, print your forms the night before, and arrive at the airport in good time.
Travel is also busier and less predictable on some regional routes right now. If your flight is cancelled, our guide explains your refund and rebooking options.
Will This Rule Change?
Public health travel rules can change quickly. The CDC may update, extend or end the requirement depending on how the outbreak develops. Always check the CDC attestation order and your airline’s travel updates a few days before you fly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Word: Print It the Night Before
The new US attestation form takes two minutes to fill in, but forgetting it could cost you your flight. Download it from the CDC website, print one per passenger, sign it, and keep it with your passport. Then you can focus on the trip, not the paperwork.
Official sources: CDC attestation order and Emirates travel updates.
This article is based on official CDC and airline information and news reports published up to 4 November 2026. Travel rules can change quickly, so check with your airline and official US government sources before travelling. Last updated: 4 November 2026.
