DOT Sets Ebola-Related Air Travel Refund Protections

On October 28, 2026, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued an Ebola-related air travel enforcement notice. It addresses travelers affected by restrictions involving the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan. It addresses medical certificates and remedies for affected passengers.

The department’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection notice explains how airlines must handle affected travelers. It is not a blanket cancellation of normal U.S. passenger protections.

What changes for medical certificates

Under normal conditions, 14 CFR Part 382 provides a framework for medical certificates and alternative infection-control measures. The DOT says it will not take enforcement action against airlines that reject those certificates under the Ebola directives. In this specific context, the department considers effective alternative cabin precautions infeasible.

That enforcement position relates to the identified Ebola-related restrictions. It does not remove airline obligations for travelers outside their scope.

Refunds, rebooking and transferable vouchers

The DOT says airlines must continue to provide applicable passenger remedies. These include rebooking, prompt refunds or transferable travel vouchers valid for five years. Travelers should establish which remedy applies to their circumstances and retain the airline’s written response.

A passenger facing denied boarding under the directives should contact the operating airline before departure, explain the applicable restriction and request a written explanation of the available options.

CDC attestation starts November 3

Separately, the CDC will require passengers on international flights to or through the United States to make a declaration. They must attest that they have not been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the preceding 21 days. The rule takes effect for flights departing from a foreign country at or after 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on November 3, 2026. It includes U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.

Airlines must collect the declaration before boarding and keep it for at least 42 days. The CDC provides a fillable Ebola passenger attestation form (PDF) and explains exemptions and requirements in its October 28 amended attestation order. Anyone who fails to submit the declaration cannot board without a U.S. government exemption. Connecting through an airport in the DRC counts as recent presence in that country.

Check the precise restriction before changing a booking

The DOT coordinates its enforcement position with directives from the CDC and the Department of Homeland Security. Travelers can check the current directives to establish whether their itinerary falls within their scope.

The DOT’s aviation consumer protection office provides the federal point of reference for complaints about airline remedies. For the broader U.S. refund framework, see AeroSillage’s report on DOT refund enforcement. The October 28 Ebola notice is a specific enforcement position, not a repeal of generally applicable refund rules.