Korean Air will require passengers traveling to the United States to submit an Ebola-related declaration starting November 4.
The airline announced on November 3 that this measure is being implemented in accordance with an administrative order from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) aimed at preventing the entry of the Ebola virus from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
All passengers on flights to the U.S. must submit a declaration confirming they have not visited or stayed in the DRC within the last 21 days prior to boarding. This requirement applies to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, crew members, and transit passengers.
Even if passengers only transited through airports in the DRC without leaving the airport, this will count as a stay. Passengers who have visited or stayed in the DRC within the last 21 days or who do not submit the declaration will not be allowed to board flights to the U.S.
If a passenger has a travel history to the DRC, they must spend a full 21 days in a location outside the U.S. before they can board a flight to the U.S. on the 22nd day.
Each passenger, including infants, must complete one declaration form. However, guardians or authorized representatives may fill out the form on behalf of minors or elderly passengers who cannot complete it themselves. The declaration can be submitted in paper or electronic form and must be provided to the airline before check-in on the day of departure.
This measure is set to remain in effect until December 19, Korean time. Korean Air plans to provide additional guidance if U.S. health authorities change their directives.
A Korean Air official stated, "This measure is a mandatory requirement based on the administrative order from U.S. health authorities, and we need the active cooperation of all passengers traveling to the U.S."
Ebola is a contagious disease transmitted through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of infected individuals, presenting symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, and vomiting. The incubation period is known to be up to 21 days.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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