Canada Extends Ebola Travel and Immigration Restrictions

Canada has extended immigration and border measures affecting travellers and foreign nationals connected to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan.

The federal government announced on September 28 that the Ebola-related restrictions will remain in place until November 27, 2026.

The measures include suspended immigration documents for certain foreign nationals and entry restrictions for people who recently travelled to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, commonly known as the DRC.

Immigration Documents Remain Suspended

Immigration documents will remain suspended for people who listed the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan as their last country of residence on their application.

This means affected foreign nationals cannot travel to Canada using a previously approved visa, permit or electronic travel authorization while the restrictions remain active.

Immigration officials will continue processing both new and existing applications affected by the measures. However, those applications will not be finalized until the suspension is lifted.

The measures were first introduced on May 27 for a 90-day period.

By June 12, the federal government said the suspension covered about 36,000 permanent residence applications.

Recent DRC Travel Triggers Entry Ban

Canada is also continuing its ban on foreign nationals who have travelled to the DRC during the 21 days before attempting to enter or transit through Canada.

Only limited exceptions are available.

The entry restriction was introduced on July 20. An interim order issued under the Aeronautics Act also prevents airlines from allowing affected travellers to board flights headed to Canada.

The restriction is different for foreign nationals who recently travelled to Uganda or South Sudan.

Those travellers may still enter Canada but must complete a health assessment when they arrive and quarantine for 21 days.

Rules for Citizens and Permanent Residents

Canadian citizens and permanent residents remain permitted to enter the country even if they have travelled to the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan within the previous 21 days.

However, they must undergo a health assessment upon arrival.

Travellers who do not show Ebola symptoms must quarantine for 21 days. Anyone showing possible symptoms must isolate at a medical facility.

Health assessment and quarantine measures for travellers connected to the three countries originally began on May 30.

The restrictions had previously been scheduled to expire on August 29 before being extended by 30 days to September 28. The latest extension now keeps them in place until November 27.

Ebola Situation Remains Closely Watched

The measures come as the DRC continues dealing with a major Ebola outbreak.

As of September 26, the country's National Institute of Public Health had reported 8,067 confirmed Ebola cases and 3,901 confirmed deaths.

Uganda recorded 20 confirmed Ebola cases, including two deaths.

However, the World Health Organization and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention declared Uganda's outbreak over on August 27 after the country recorded 42 consecutive days without a new confirmed case.

South Sudan has not reported any Ebola cases.

Canada's document suspension was also the first use of expanded federal powers introduced after Bill C-12 came into force in March 2026. Those powers allow the government to manage broader classes of immigration applications, documents and temporary residents during specific situations.