New US health declaration starts 4 November for PJIA travellers

International passengers departing Princess Juliana International Airport for the United States, including those connecting through US airports, will have to complete a declaration before boarding from 12:59am AST on Wednesday 4 November, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The declaration asks passengers to confirm they have not been physically present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the 21 days before boarding.

The CDC said the requirement applies regardless of nationality or country of departure. Each passenger needs an individual declaration, including US citizens, US nationals and lawful permanent residents returning from abroad. A parent, guardian or authorised person can complete and sign the declaration for a child under 18.

Airlines and aircraft operators are responsible for collecting signed declarations before boarding and retaining copies for at least 42 days after passengers arrive in the United States, the CDC said. Airlines may use electronic or paper forms under their own procedures.

Passengers who refuse to provide the declaration cannot board unless they have a US government exemption, according to the CDC. The agency said people who have been in the DRC during the previous 21 days, including those who only transited through an airport there, are generally prohibited from boarding US-bound flights unless exempted. The declaration does not require Ebola testing or an additional vaccination.

The CDC said the measure does not apply to domestic US flights or arrivals by land border or seaport. It said knowingly providing false or misleading information can result in fines or imprisonment under US federal law.