Canada has extended temporary travel and immigration restrictions linked to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa for another 60 days, with the measures now remaining in place until November 27, 2026. The restrictions affect people connected to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda and South Sudan, as Canada continues to take precautionary measures aimed at preventing the virus from entering and spreading within the country.
Under the extended measures, immigration documents for foreign nationals whose last country of residence was the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan remain suspended. This means affected individuals cannot travel to Canada during the suspension period, even if they already have an approved visa, permanent-resident visa, work or study permit, or electronic travel authorization. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will continue processing affected applications, but applications will not be finalized while the temporary measures remain in effect. The restrictions also affect some people who have already received approval to become permanent residents but have not yet travelled to Canada. Additional restrictions apply to foreign nationals from other countries who have recently travelled to the affected regions. Foreign nationals who have been in the Democratic Republic of Congo within the previous 21 days are prohibited from entering Canada, boarding a flight to Canada or transiting through Canada, subject to limited exemptions. People who have recently been in Uganda or South Sudan may still be permitted to travel to Canada, but they can be required to undergo health screening and complete a 21-day quarantine after arrival. Canadian citizens and permanent residents who have been in the affected countries are allowed to return to Canada, but they are also required to follow the applicable health measures, including a 21-day quarantine in circumstances covered by the restrictions. Travellers arriving in Canada can also be subject to health assessments. Anyone displaying symptoms consistent with Ebola can be referred for medical assessment and isolation. The Canadian government says the measures are precautionary and are being maintained because of the seriousness of the outbreak and the changing situation in the affected region. The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo virus, a type of Ebola virus, and has primarily affected the Democratic Republic of Congo. More than 8,000 cases have been reported in the outbreak, with more than 3,900 deaths reported since May. The outbreak in Uganda was declared over in late August after 20 people became sick. South Sudan has not reported any cases connected to the current outbreak. There are currently no reported cases of Ebola in Canada. The Canadian government initially introduced the border measures in May as the outbreak expanded. The restrictions were subsequently extended several times as health authorities continued monitoring the international situation. The measures were also introduced ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is being co-hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico. Canadian officials said the restrictions were intended as a precautionary measure and were coordinated with the other two tournament hosts. The World Health Organization, however, has questioned the effectiveness of broad travel restrictions. The WHO has said Ebola is not transmitted through the air and that the risk of transmission during air travel is low when appropriate health precautions are followed.
Mmm European health authorities have similarly assessed the risk of importing Ebola into Europe as very low and have not imposed comparable restrictions on travellers from the affected countries. Humanitarian organizations and workers have also raised concerns that travel restrictions could make it more difficult for medical personnel and other aid workers to reach communities affected by the outbreak. Health workers are particularly important in the DRC, where authorities and international organizations are attempting to contain the virus while dealing with shortages of medical personnel and other resources. The Canadian government says it is continuing to work with international partners and is monitoring the outbreak closely. Canada has also provided financial assistance to countries responding to the outbreak and has supported efforts to develop and test medical countermeasures.
The government says the temporary restrictions will continue to be reviewed as new scientific and epidemiological information becomes available. For travellers, the rules can change with relatively short notice. People planning to travel to or from the affected countries are being advised to check the latest Canadian travel and border requirements before departure. The restrictions will now remain in effect until November 27, unless the Canadian government changes or removes them earlier based on the development of the Ebola outbreak and the assessed risk to Canada.