Canada Ebola travel restrictions have been extended for another 30 days. The measures will remain in place until September 28, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EDT.
The Government of Canada has extended temporary border measures introduced in response to the Ebola disease outbreak affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda and South Sudan. The government says the risk to people in Canada remains low, but the measures are being maintained as a precaution because of the severity of Ebola disease and the evolving international situation.
For people planning to travel to Canada, the extended Canada Ebola travel restrictions can affect entry, immigration documents, visa processing and quarantine requirements.
Canada Ebola Travel Restrictions: What Has Changed?
The Canada Ebola travel restrictions now remain in effect until September 28, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EDT.
The measures apply to foreign nationals living in or people who have recently travelled through:
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Uganda
- South Sudan
The rules differ depending on where a traveller has been, their immigration status and whether they are experiencing symptoms.
Canada Immigration Documents Remain Suspended
One of the most important parts of the Canada Ebola travel restrictions concerns immigration documents.
Foreign nationals who listed the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan as their last country of residence on an immigration application can have their immigration documents temporarily suspended. This means they cannot travel to Canada during the suspension period, even if they previously received an approved:
IRCC will continue processing affected new and existing applications, but final decisions will not be made while the temporary measures remain in place.
This distinction is important for people following Canada immigration programs. An application may continue moving through processing, while the finalization of the immigration document remains suspended.
Canada Ebola Travel Restrictions Affect People Who Recently Visited the DRC
The rules also apply to certain foreign nationals who have recently been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
A foreign national who has been in the DRC within the previous 21 days is prohibited from entering Canada. They are also prohibited from boarding a flight to Canada or transiting through Canada.
This restriction applies even when the traveller is not a resident of the DRC.
Therefore, travellers should carefully review their recent travel history before making plans to travel to Canada.
What About Travellers From Uganda and South Sudan?
Foreign nationals who have been in Uganda or South Sudan within the previous 21 days may still be permitted to travel to Canada if they meet the applicable immigration requirements.
However, eligible travellers must undergo the required health measures and generally quarantine for 21 days after arrival, unless they qualify for an exemption.
Travellers who have been in the affected countries should therefore check the latest requirements before booking flights or making other travel arrangements.
Canada Ebola Border Measures and Quarantine
The Canada Ebola border measures require eligible travellers who have recently been in the affected countries to follow public-health requirements after arrival.
If a traveller has been in the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan within the previous 21 days and is eligible to enter Canada, they may need a suitable quarantine plan.
The quarantine location must allow the traveller to remain there for 21 days, avoid direct contact with others and access necessities such as food, water, medication and local public-health services.
Foreign nationals may be required to demonstrate that they have suitable accommodation for the quarantine period. If they cannot financially sustain the required quarantine, they may be denied entry.
What Happens When Travellers Arrive in Canada?
Eligible travellers who have recently been in the affected countries may receive a health assessment upon arrival.
Travellers without Ebola symptoms are generally required to quarantine for 21 days and follow instructions from a quarantine officer.
Travellers who develop symptoms may be transported to a medical facility for assessment and isolation.
Travellers subject to quarantine must also monitor their health and follow the instructions provided by Canadian authorities.
Are Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents Allowed to Return?
Canadian citizens and permanent residents who have recently been in the affected countries can still enter Canada.
People registered under the Indian Act can also enter Canada.
However, they may be subject to health screening and a 21-day quarantine unless they qualify for an exemption.
This means the Canada Ebola travel restrictions do not prevent Canadian citizens and permanent residents from returning to Canada.
Are There Exemptions From the Canada Ebola Travel Restrictions?
Yes. Certain travellers may qualify for exemptions.
Examples can include:
- Certain airline, ship or train crew members
- People registered under the Indian Act
- Certain diplomatic or consular personnel
- Certain individuals entering Canada for official international-organization duties
- Visiting-force members
- Certain people providing or transporting essential medical care or equipment
- Individuals whose entry is considered to be in Canada’s national interest and who do not pose a public-health risk
Some foreign nationals may need an exemption letter before travelling. The Government of Canada advises affected travellers to request an exemption letter before departure when required.
What Should Travellers Do Before Travelling to Canada?
Anyone affected by the Canada Ebola travel restrictions should verify the latest requirements before travelling.
Travellers should:
- Review their recent travel history.
- Confirm whether their immigration document is suspended.
- Check whether they qualify for an exemption.
- Prepare an appropriate quarantine plan if required.
- Review the latest Canadian travel and immigration information before departure.
The Government of Canada warns that border measures can change with little notice.
Canada Immigration Applications Can Still Be Processed
An important point for applicants is that the temporary measures do not necessarily mean that all immigration processing has stopped.
IRCC says it will continue processing new and existing applications affected by the measures. However, final decisions on the affected immigration documents will remain paused while the temporary measures are active.
This is particularly relevant for applicants following Canada immigration, permanent residence or temporary residence pathways.
How the Canada Ebola Travel Restrictions Could Affect Applicants
The extended measures could create additional uncertainty for applicants who are waiting for an immigration decision and planning to travel.
For example, someone may have an application in process but still be unable to travel if their immigration document is suspended under the temporary measures.
Applicants should therefore distinguish between:
- Application processing
- Approval or finalization
- Document validity
- Permission to travel
- Permission to enter Canada
These are not necessarily the same thing under the temporary measures.
Canada Ebola Travel Restrictions: Key Takeaways
The Canada Ebola travel restrictions have been extended until September 28, 2026.
The measures affect people connected to the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, with different rules applying depending on recent travel history and immigration status.
Foreign nationals affected by the immigration-document suspension cannot travel to Canada even if they hold an approved visa, permanent resident visa or eTA. IRCC will continue processing applications but will not finalize affected applications while the measures are in place.
Travellers should check the latest official requirements before travelling because Canada’s Ebola border measures may change with little notice.