Photo: Shutterstock Canada has announced temporary border and immigration measures in response to the growing Ebola outbreak in Central and East Africa, citing concerns over the evolving international health situation and increased global travel ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The new measures, introduced by the Canadian government, target travelers connected to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, countries currently considered at high or very high risk for Ebola outbreaks.
Beginning May 27 at 11:59 p.m. EDT, Canada intends to suspend immigration documents for residents of those countries for an initial period of 90 days. The move means that even travelers who already hold approved temporary resident visas, electronic travel authorizations (eTAs), or permanent resident visas will not be allowed to travel to Canada while the suspension remains in place.
The government also plans to temporarily pause decisions on new immigration applications from residents of the affected countries during that period.
Additional border measures are scheduled to take effect on May 30 and remain in place until at least August 29, 2026.
Under the new rules, Canadian citizens, permanent residents, individuals registered under the Indian Act, and foreign nationals who have recently been in affected regions within the previous 21 days will be required to quarantine for 21 days if they do not show symptoms.
Travelers unable to safely quarantine at home will be provided with a designated location. Anyone showing symptoms linked to Ebola will be isolated in hospital for further medical assessment under Canada’s Quarantine Act.
Canadian officials stressed that the overall risk to the public remains low and noted that there are currently no Ebola cases in North America.
“The health and safety of people in Canada is our top priority. These temporary border measures will help reduce the risk of Ebola disease entering the country while ensuring that travellers are managed based on their level of risk. We will continue to take action guided by science and evidence to protect Canadians,” said Health Minister Marjorie Michel.
Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab added: “Canadians can be assured that their health and safety is our top priority. The measures we plan to introduce are necessary to protect Canadians and reinforce the integrity of our border against this threat to public health.”
The government said travelers already inside Canada are not affected by the new restrictions and may continue staying for their authorized period. Authorities also reminded travelers that border measures could change quickly depending on how the outbreak develops internationally.