In response to the Ebola disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and the increasing risks in Uganda and South Sudan, the government of Canada has announced temporary border measures to reduce the risk of the virus entering and spreading within Canada.
The government has suspended immigration documents for residents of countries that have a high or very high risk of an Ebola disease outbreak for 90 days, from May 27, 2026, until August 25, 2026.
At this time, this includes the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan. This means that even those with a previously approved temporary resident visa, electronic travel authorization (eTA), or permanent resident visa will not be allowed to travel to Canada while their immigration document is suspended. During this time, the government also intends to temporarily pause making decisions on applications for these documents from residents of these countries.
The government intends to implement an additional measure effective May 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EDT until August 29, 2026, whereby Canadian citizens, permanent residents, persons registered under the Indian Act, and foreign nationals who have been in these areas within the previous 21 days and do not have symptoms will have to quarantine for 21 days. If they do not have a place where they can quarantine safely, they will be provided with an appropriate location. Travelers who have symptoms will be isolated at a hospital for further assessment. These measures are being implemented under the Quarantine Act.
Those who are already in Canada are not impacted by these measures and may continue to stay for their authorized period. As per standard procedure, these travelers were already screened upon arrival by Canada Border Services Agency officers. Canadian citizens and permanent residents could still return to Canada and would undergo screening at ports of entry upon arrival.
While the risk to people in Canada remains low, the government is taking a precautionary approach given the severity of Ebola disease and the evolving international situation, including the FIFA World Cup 2026 ™. There has never been a case of Ebola disease imported into Canada and there are currently no cases of Ebola disease in North America.
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