Canada has introduced temporary immigration and border restrictions targeting travellers and residents from Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and South Sudan following concerns over the Ebola outbreak in the region.
In a statement, the Canadian government said the measures are intended to reduce the risk of Ebola entering and spreading within Canada amid what officials described as a growing international public health concern.
Beginning May 27 at 11:59 p.m., Canada will suspend certain immigration documents for residents of countries considered to have a high or very high Ebola outbreak risk. Uganda, the DRC, and South Sudan are currently included on that list.
The restrictions mean that residents from the affected countries will temporarily be unable to travel to Canada, even if they already hold approved temporary resident visas, electronic travel authorisations (eTAs), or permanent resident visas.
Canadian authorities also confirmed that processing of new applications for immigration documents from residents of the affected countries will be paused during the 90-day suspension period.
In addition, new border control measures taking effect from May 30 to August 29, 2026, will require travellers who have recently visited Uganda, the DRC, or South Sudan within the past 21 days to complete a mandatory 21-day quarantine upon arrival in Canada, even if they do not show Ebola symptoms.
The quarantine rules will apply to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, individuals registered under the Indian Act, and foreign nationals entering the country.
Officials said travellers without appropriate quarantine arrangements will be accommodated in government-designated facilities, while anyone displaying Ebola symptoms will be isolated in hospital facilities for further medical evaluation under Canada’s Quarantine Act.
The government clarified that people already living in Canada will not be affected by the restrictions and may continue staying for the duration of their authorized status.
Canadian citizens and permanent residents will still be allowed to return home, but will undergo health screening procedures at ports of entry.
Authorities stressed that the current Ebola risk to Canadians remains low, but explained that the measures are precautionary due to the seriousness of the disease and the changing global health situation, including concerns related to the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Canada’s Health Minister Marjorie Michel said the temporary restrictions are aimed at protecting public health while ensuring travellers are managed according to their level of exposure risk.
Meanwhile, Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab said the measures are necessary to strengthen border protection against emerging public health threats.
The Canadian government added that it will continue monitoring developments in Uganda and the wider region and may revise the restrictions depending on how the Ebola situation evolves internationally.
