From 4 November 2026, all passengers on US-bound flights departing Incheon International Airport are required to complete an Ebola health declaration before boarding.
The form is a short self-declaration confirming that the traveller has not visited or stayed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in the previous 21 days. Korean Air posted notices at its Terminal 2 check-in counters on the same day the requirement took effect. The measure stems from US CDC health screening protocols tied to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the DRC. Passengers who knowingly provide false information face criminal prosecution.
What you need to do
The declaration is completed at check-in alongside your boarding pass. Allow extra time at the airport on US departure days to handle the additional step - particularly if you are catching a connecting flight where check-in queues can be long. At peak times, such as early morning and late evening departure waves, Terminal 2 is busiest.
It is not yet confirmed whether all airlines operating US routes from Incheon are issuing the same form, so check with your carrier directly before you fly. Korean Air has posted notices, but independent confirmation from other carriers including Asiana, United, and Delta has not been reported at the time of writing.
Who is affected
The requirement applies to any passenger departing Incheon on a US-bound flight, whether direct or as part of an onward connection. It does not affect flights to other destinations. Travellers transiting Incheon from another country and continuing on to the US should contact their airline about whether the form is handled at the transit desk or the departure gate.
Planning your Incheon departure
Incheon operates more than 80 scheduled weekly departures to the US across its carriers, making it one of Asia’s busiest transatlantic hubs. We recommend arriving at least three hours before long-haul international departures to allow for check-in, immigration, and any additional health screening.
If you are planning a trip that includes a US leg, our guide to flights to South Korea covers airlines and booking tips, and our Incheon Airport transfer guide has everything on getting into the city after you land. First-time visitors can find full border entry steps, customs rules, and transport options in our first-time visitor guide.