Canada Imposes Travel Restrictions On DRC, Uganda, South Sudan Over Ebola Fears

Canada has announced temporary travel and immigration restrictions affecting travellers from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan following concerns over the latest Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa.

According to reports monitored by Ireporter Online, Canadian authorities classified the three countries as areas facing high or very high risk linked to the spread of the virus, prompting the introduction of emergency precautionary measures aimed at protecting public health.

In a statement issued by the Public Health Agency of Canada, the government confirmed that immigration documents belonging to residents of the affected countries would be suspended for 90 days starting from May 27, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EDT.

The restriction applies to individuals holding previously approved temporary resident visas, electronic travel authorisations and permanent resident visas, effectively preventing them from travelling to Canada while the suspension remains active.

Canadian officials further disclosed that the processing of new applications for the same travel categories from residents of the listed countries would also be temporarily halted during the restriction period.

Authorities explained that an additional public health measure will commence on May 30, 2026, and remain effective until August 29, 2026. Under the directive, Canadian citizens, permanent residents, persons registered under the Indian Act and foreign nationals who recently visited the affected regions within the previous 21 days but show no symptoms would be required to undergo a mandatory 21-day quarantine upon arrival in Canada.

Travellers without suitable quarantine arrangements would be provided with designated accommodation, while individuals displaying symptoms linked to Ebola would be isolated in hospitals for medical evaluation and further treatment.

The Canadian government stated that the measures were introduced under the Quarantine Act as part of efforts to reduce the possibility of the virus entering and spreading within the country.

Authorities clarified that individuals already residing in Canada would not be impacted by the temporary restrictions and would be allowed to remain for the duration of their approved stay. Canadian citizens and permanent residents are also permitted to return home but would undergo health screening procedures at entry points.

Officials maintained that the overall risk to Canadians remains low, stressing that Canada has never recorded an imported Ebola case and that there are currently no confirmed Ebola infections anywhere in North America.

The latest outbreak has been linked to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, with the World Health Organisation earlier this month declaring the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern.

Despite the outbreak, the WHO has advised countries against shutting borders or imposing broad international travel and trade restrictions, instead encouraging governments to strengthen surveillance, contact tracing, testing, treatment and public awareness efforts.

Canadian authorities added that the temporary measures would continue to be reviewed in line with evolving scientific evidence and the global epidemiological situation.