Canada Extends Ebola-Related Travel Bans to September 28

Canada has extended temporary travel and immigration measures linked to the Ebola outbreak, keeping restrictions in place until September 28, 2026.

The Public Health Agency of Canada announced the extension on August 28, two days before the measures were due to expire. The rules affect certain foreign nationals with recent travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as residents of the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan.

Entry restrictions remain

Foreign nationals who have travelled to the DRC within the previous 21 days remain barred from entering Canada under the extended measures.

At the same time, Canada continues to suspend certain immigration documents for residents of the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan. Because those documents remain suspended, affected individuals cannot use them to travel to Canada.

The measures had been scheduled to end on August 29. The government has now extended them for another month.

Rules for Canadians and permanent residents

Canadian citizens and landed permanent residents are not subject to the foreign-national entry ban. However, those who have travelled through affected regions during the previous 21 days face health measures when they arrive in Canada.

Travellers must undergo a health assessment. Those without symptoms must then complete a 21-day quarantine. People who show symptoms must isolate at a medical facility.

These requirements form part of Canada's wider response to the Ebola outbreak.

Measures began in May

Canada first introduced the broader set of Ebola-related quarantine measures on May 30. At that time, the rules covered foreign nationals as well as Canadian citizens and permanent residents returning from regions affected by the outbreak.

The government later introduced a separate entry ban for foreign nationals with recent travel to the DRC. That measure took effect on July 20.

The May measures also included the suspension of immigration documents for residents of Uganda, South Sudan and the DRC.

The changes followed the coming into force of Bill C-12 in March 2026. The legislation expanded the federal government's executive powers to manage certain groups of applications, immigration documents and temporary residents.

Permanent residence applications affected

The restrictions have also affected immigration processing. On June 12, the federal government said the suspensions had affected 36,000 permanent residence applications.

Officials say the measures are part of a continuing public health response rather than a general suspension of travel from the three countries. The restrictions apply to specific circumstances outlined by the federal government. Travellers should check the latest requirements before departure, particularly if they have recently been in the DRC or are relying on immigration documents issued for travel to Canada carefully.

The latest extension means affected applicants and travellers will continue to face the measures through September 28. The government has not indicated in the provided announcement whether the restrictions will be extended again after that date.

For travellers and immigration applicants connected to the affected countries, the extension means existing rules remain in effect. Anyone planning travel or waiting on immigration documents should consider the current restrictions before making arrangements.