Oct. 31, 2014
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection recently published a notice of arrival travel restrictions applicable to flights carrying people who have recently traveled to, from or through certain Ebola-stricken countries.
In the notice, CBP Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske directed all applicable flights to the U.S. to arrive at one of the U.S. airports where enhanced screening procedures have been implemented by CBP and other agencies. These airports are: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), NY; Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), NJ; Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), VA; Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), IL and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), GA.
The affected countries are Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
Although the Federal Register notice focused on air carriers, NBAA received confirmation from a CBP official that this requirement applies to all flights on which individuals have traveled to, from or through the affected countries – regardless of whether a particular flight is commercial or private. Further, the official advised NBAA the agency considers “recently traveled” to be any travel within the past 21 days.
“We encourage all Member Companies to be conscientious when carrying persons from abroad, but especially from countries identified by CBP,” said Doug Carr, NBAA’s vice president of international and regulatory affairs. “Our Member Companies know their passengers and their recent travel itineraries, but we encourage the community to be smart about flying anyone who looks or acts ill, regardless of the departure or destination country.”
The list of affected countries and available airports is subject to change. The CBP will advise of changes by updated notice in the Federal Register or by posting a notice on its website. All restrictions will remain in effect until otherwise published.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.