To prevent the potential spread of Ebola, the Canadian government has implemented strict, temporary border restrictions targeting travellers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan.
These measures are being enacted under the authority of the Quarantine Act.
Entry Suspensions
Starting May 27, 2026, at 23:59 EDT, Canada will pause the validity of immigration documents for residents of these three nations for a 90-day period.
This suspension applies even to individuals who already possess approved permanent residency papers, visas, or electronic travel authorizations; these individuals will not be permitted to enter the country during this timeframe.
Furthermore, the government has halted the processing of all new immigration applications from residents of these specific high-risk countries.
Quarantine and Screening Protocols
Beginning May 30, 2026, and lasting until August 29, 2026, stringent health requirements will be enforced for those returning from these regions:
Mandatory Quarantine: Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and individuals registered under the Indian Act who have visited these three countries within the previous 21 days must complete a 21-day quarantine upon their arrival in Canada, regardless of whether they show symptoms.
Medical Isolation: Any traveller exhibiting symptoms of illness will be placed in hospital isolation for professional evaluation.
Support for Foreign Nationals: The government will provide suitable quarantine locations for foreign nationals arriving from these areas who lack a safe place to isolate.
Ongoing Access: While these restrictions apply to new arrivals, they do not impact individuals already present in Canada, who may continue their stay as planned. Canadian citizens and permanent residents retain the right to return to Canada, though they will undergo mandatory health screenings at ports of entry.
Government Rationale
Health Minister Marjorie Michel emphasized that these decisions were made to prioritize public safety and minimize the risk of Ebola transmission within Canada.
Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab reaffirmed this, noting that these actions are intended to safeguard the population and maintain border integrity in the face of a potential health threat.
Government officials highlighted that Canada has never recorded a case of Ebola, and there are currently no cases reported in North America.
These measures will remain subject to ongoing review and may be adjusted as the situation evolves and new evidence becomes available.
