New Boarding Requirements for Flights from Morocco to the United States
In a significant development affecting travelers from Morocco, particularly those departing from Casablanca to New York, new regulations will soon come into effect that could catch many passengers off guard. Starting from Wednesday, November 4, 2023, at 5:59 AM Moroccan time, all individuals boarding flights to the United States will be required to confirm that they have not been present in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) within the last 21 days. This measure applies to all travelers, including tourists, Moroccan residents in the United States, American citizens, and green card holders. It also extends to passengers transiting through American airports on their way to other destinations.
This regulation stems from concerns related to the Ebola outbreak currently impacting the DRC. The U.S. authorities have established a 21-day window, which corresponds to the maximum incubation period for the virus, necessitating that even those who have never traveled to the DRC complete this declaration before boarding their flight.
How to Complete the New Declaration
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States have provided multiple options for fulfilling this requirement. Airlines may offer a paper form, an electronic signature, or a simple checkbox during online check-in, provided that the declaration can be authenticated. Each traveler will need to have their own attestation, and for children under the age of 18, a parent or authorized representative can sign on their behalf.
For direct flights, verification of this declaration will occur before departure from Morocco. In cases where travelers have connecting flights in Europe, the CDC recommends that the declaration be collected at check-in or boarding at the last airport before entering the United States. Therefore, travelers can complete this formality during their layover.
Travelers who have spent time in the DRC will need to wait until the 22nd day after their departure from the country to board flights to the United States, unless they have received an official exemption. Notably, even a simple transit through a Congolese airport counts against this requirement, regardless of whether the passenger remains on board their aircraft.
It is crucial to note that any intentional false declaration could result in criminal prosecution in the United States. This requirement is set to remain in place until December 18, 2026, unless it is extended or lifted prior to that date.
As reported by bladi.net.
