The Government of Canada has announced sweeping temporary border and immigration measures in response to the growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and rising regional concerns in Uganda and South Sudan.
In a statement released Tuesday, the Public Health Agency of Canada said the new measures are aimed at preventing the deadly virus from entering and spreading within Canada as global health authorities monitor the evolving situation in Central and East Africa.
Beginning May 27 at 11:59 p.m. EDT, Canada plans to suspend immigration documents for residents of countries categorized as having a “high or very high” Ebola outbreak risk. The move will temporarily block travel to Canada for individuals from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan even if they already possess approved temporary resident visas, electronic travel authorizations (eTAs), or permanent resident visas.
The federal government also intends to pause processing decisions on new immigration applications from residents of the affected countries for the next 90 days.
Canadian authorities say the measures are precautionary but necessary given the severity of Ebola disease and increased global travel linked to major international events, including the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
“The health and safety of people in Canada is our top priority,” said Marjorie Michel, Canada’s Minister of Health.
“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.”
Additional health restrictions are also set to take effect on May 30 and remain in place until August 29, 2026.
Under the planned rules, Canadian citizens, permanent residents, individuals registered under the Indian Act, and foreign nationals who have recently been in affected areas within the previous 21 days but are not showing symptoms will be required to quarantine for 21 days upon arrival in Canada.
Travellers displaying symptoms consistent with Ebola will be isolated and transferred to hospitals for further medical assessment under the Quarantine Act.
Officials clarified that people already inside Canada are not affected by the new measures and may continue their authorized stay. Border screening procedures at Canadian ports of entry will also remain in place for returning Canadians and permanent residents.
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Lena Metlege Diab defended the government’s response, describing it as a necessary step to protect public health.
“Canadians can be assured that their health and safety is our top priority,” Diab said. “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 emphasized that the overall risk to Canadians remains low. Officials noted that Canada has never recorded an imported Ebola case and that there are currently no Ebola cases in North America.
Still, health authorities say they are closely monitoring international developments and may adjust border measures depending on evolving scientific evidence and the global epidemiological situation.
Travellers have been advised to monitor updates before international travel as restrictions and border policies may change with little notice.
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