November Travel News Highlights

The United States has introduced new travel restrictions aimed at preventing the spread of Ebola, affecting travelers who have recently visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), South Sudan, or Uganda. Effective November 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, all passengers boarding international flights to the United States must sign a statement confirming they have not been in the DRC during the previous 21 days. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that the overall risk to the American public and travelers remains low.

Under the new requirements, anyone who has been in the DRC within the past 21 days, including U.S. citizens and nationals, will be prohibited from boarding flights to the United States. Travelers must remain outside the country for at least 21 days after leaving the DRC, with travel permitted beginning on Day 22. These restrictions also apply to passengers whose flights stopped in the DRC, even if they remained aboard the aircraft. Additional departure requirements may apply to travelers visiting outbreak-affected provinces.

Different restrictions apply to travelers arriving from South Sudan and Uganda. Non-U.S. citizens and non-U.S. nationals, including lawful permanent residents, are prohibited from entering the United States until at least 21 days after leaving either country. U.S. citizens and nationals who have visited South Sudan or Uganda, but not the DRC, may return through designated airports, including Washington Dulles International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and John F. Kennedy International Airport. These travelers will undergo public health screening, which may include temperature checks, symptom questionnaires, and additional health assessments.

Travelers subject to monitoring should watch for potential Ebola symptoms, including fever, headache, fatigue, vomiting, and unexplained bleeding or bruising, for 21 days after leaving an affected country. The CDC recommends avoiding international travel and cruises during this monitoring period. Anyone experiencing symptoms should isolate, contact local health authorities, and avoid traveling until cleared by a medical professional. Travelers who have been outside the affected countries for more than 21 days generally will not be subject to these additional entry screening requirements.

With international travel regulations subject to change during public health emergencies, staying informed is essential. Travelers planning trips to or through affected regions should review the latest CDC travel guidance and confirm airline requirements before departure.

The U.S. Department of State has updated its Level 2 "Exercise Increased Caution" travel advisory for China, warning Americans about wrongful detention, electronic surveillance, and restrictions on leaving the country. The October 19, 2026, advisory highlights concerns that routine professional, academic, or personal activities could violate China's broad national security laws, potentially leading to serious legal consequences.

The advisory also raises concerns about digital privacy, warning that Chinese authorities may monitor emails, text messages, and social media activity. Some travelers have reportedly faced detention or deportation over private communications considered critical of Chinese authorities. Visitors are encouraged to avoid carrying sensitive information on electronic devices and remain mindful of their online activity.

Another significant concern involves exit bans, which can prevent travelers from leaving China even without formal criminal charges. These restrictions may arise from investigations, business disputes, or civil proceedings and can sometimes affect family members. Some travelers may only discover an exit ban when attempting to board their flight home, and certain restrictions have reportedly lasted for years.

To reduce potential risks, travelers should carry a valid passport and appropriate Chinese visa, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), and arrange regular check-ins with family members. Experts also recommend exercising caution when photographing sensitive locations or law enforcement activities and traveling with electronic devices containing only essential information.

Before visiting China, Americans should review the latest U.S. State Department travel advisory and stay informed about local laws and security conditions.

Holiday travelers are facing higher airfare prices in 2026, with domestic round-trip flights averaging $402 for Thanksgiving and $452 for Christmas. According to Hopper's 2026 Holiday Travel Index, these prices represent increases of 31% and 23%, respectively, compared to last year. Rising jet fuel costs have contributed to the surge, making flexible travel dates especially important for budget-conscious travelers.

For Thanksgiving, the most expensive itinerary involves departing Wednesday, November 25, and returning Sunday, November 29, with average round-trip fares reaching $604. Travelers who return Monday or Tuesday instead could pay around $350, saving approximately $250 per ticket. Flying home on Black Friday or departing earlier in Thanksgiving week may also offer significant savings.

Christmas travelers can also reduce costs by avoiding peak travel days. Flights departing December 18–20 are among the most expensive, averaging nearly $500, while departures early in Christmas week average closer to $440. Returning midweek after Christmas may help travelers save, particularly compared to December 27 or January 2, when fares are expected to increase.

With holiday travel approaching, experts recommend booking flights as soon as possible rather than waiting for last-minute deals. Setting airfare alerts, comparing round-trip tickets with separate one-way flights, and using airline miles or rewards can help reduce expenses. Flexibility with departure and return dates remains one of the most effective ways to manage rising holiday travel costs.

As travelers finalize their holiday plans, preparing for unexpected disruptions is just as important as finding affordable flights. Consider exploring travel insurance options from Trawick International to help protect eligible prepaid travel expenses against covered cancellations, delays, and other unexpected events. Reviewing coverage options before departure can provide added peace of mind during the busy holiday season.

Planning a trip to Paris? Travelers should keep an eye on possible strikes and demonstrations that could affect transportation and sightseeing plans. A nationwide strike scheduled for November 5, 2026, highlighted ongoing labor concerns in France, with major unions calling for better wages, improved working conditions, and stronger public services. Demonstrations in popular areas of central Paris could lead to temporary road closures and changes to local transportation.

Getting around France may also become a little tricky during strikes, especially for travelers relying on trains. High-speed TGV, regional TER, Intercités, and suburban Transilien services can experience delays or cancellations when railway workers walk off the job. If you're planning to travel between Paris and other French cities, checking your train schedule before heading to the station can help you avoid unexpected surprises.

Visitors exploring Paris should also be prepared for occasional changes to metro, RER, tram, and bus services, particularly near demonstration areas. While airports such as Charles de Gaulle and Orly were operating normally in reports earlier this week, transportation to and from the airports could still be affected by local disruptions. Giving yourself extra travel time and having a backup route in mind can make getting around much easier.

The good news? Paris is still welcoming visitors, and most museums, restaurants, landmarks, and attractions generally remain open during demonstrations. Whether you're visiting the Eiffel Tower, exploring charming neighborhoods, or enjoying a café, there's still plenty to experience. Just remember that strikes can happen with limited notice, so staying flexible and checking local updates can help keep your plans on track.

Before heading out, check SNCF and RATP for the latest transportation updates. For extra peace of mind, consider exploring travel insurance options from Trawick International that may help with eligible travel delays or unexpected disruptions.