Public Health Agency of Canada Headquarters. [Photo: CBC]ONTARIO – Canada has joined Bahrain and the United States in imposing temporary travel restrictions on residents from South Sudan, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo following growing international concerns over the Ebola outbreak in the region.
In a statement issued by the Public Health Agency of Canada this week, the Canadian government announced a series of emergency border measures aimed at preventing the spread of Ebola disease into the country after the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.
The measures, which took effect on May 27 at 11:59 p.m. EDT, include the suspension of immigration documents for residents of countries classified as having a “high or very high risk” of Ebola transmission.
The affected countries currently include South Sudan, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“This will mean that even those with a previously approved temporary resident visa, electronic travel authorisation (eTA) or permanent resident visa will not be allowed to travel to Canada while their immigration document is suspended,” the statement said.
Canadian authorities also announced a temporary pause in processing applications for visas and travel authorisations from residents of the three affected countries during the 90-day restriction period.
The announcement comes just days after Bahrain imposed a 30-day restriction on travellers from South Sudan, Uganda, and the DRC, while the United States earlier introduced enhanced screening and temporary restrictions following the resurgence of Ebola cases in Central and East Africa.
Canada further revealed that from May 30 until August 29, 2026, Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and other travellers who have recently been in the affected countries within the previous 21 days will be subjected to mandatory quarantine measures upon arrival in Canada, even if they show no symptoms.
Under the new rules, travellers without symptoms will be required to quarantine for 21 days, while those displaying symptoms will be isolated in hospitals for further medical assessment under Canada’s Quarantine Act.
“If they do not have a place where they can quarantine safely, they will be provided with an appropriate location,” the agency said.
The Canadian government clarified that individuals already in Canada would not be affected by the restrictions and may continue to stay for their authorised period. Canadian citizens and permanent residents are still permitted to return home but will undergo health screening at ports of entry.
While emphasising that the current risk to Canadians remains low, Ottawa said the measures were necessary due to the severity of Ebola disease and the evolving global health situation, especially ahead of 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,” the statement added.
Canada’s Minister of Health, Marjorie Michel, said the government was taking a science-based approach to protect public health.
“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,” Michel said.
Meanwhile, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Lena Metlege Diab, said the restrictions were necessary to safeguard Canadians and strengthen border controls against the outbreak.
“We will continue to take proactive and decisive action in response to the emerging Ebola outbreak,” Diab stated.
The Government of Canada said it would continue monitoring the outbreak and may adjust the restrictions depending on developments in the epidemiological situation both domestically and internationally.
