Canada is temporarily tightening its border controls as the Ebola outbreak evolves in Central and East Africa.
In a statement issued May 26, 2026, the Public Health Agency of Canada announced measures aimed at reducing the risk of the virus being introduced and spreading in Canada.
Ottawa says the risk to people in Canada remains low, but that it is taking a precautionary approach given the severity of Ebola disease and the international context, particularly ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Visas, eTAs and permanent resident visas suspended for 90 days
Starting May 27, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Canada plans to suspend, for 90 days, immigration documents held by residents of countries with a high or very high risk of an Ebola disease outbreak.
At this stage, the countries concerned are the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan. The measure applies to residents of these countries, including those who already hold an approved temporary resident visa, electronic travel authorization, or permanent resident visa.
In practical terms, affected travelers will not be allowed to travel to Canada while their immigration document is suspended. Canadian authorities also say they intend to temporarily pause decisions on immigration document applications submitted by residents of these countries during the same period.
People who are already in Canada are not affected by these measures. They may continue to remain in the country for the authorized duration of their status.
A 21-day quarantine for travelers who have stayed in affected areas
A second set of measures is scheduled to take effect on May 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, and remain in place until August 29, 2026.
Canadian citizens, permanent residents, people registered under the Indian Act, and foreign nationals who have stayed in affected areas during the 21 days before their arrival will be required to undergo a 21-day quarantine if they do not show symptoms.
Travelers who do not have a safe place to complete quarantine will be offered a suitable location. Those showing symptoms will be isolated in a hospital setting for further medical assessment. These measures are being implemented under Canada’s Quarantine Act.
Canadian citizens and permanent residents retain the right to return to Canada, but will remain subject to screening upon arrival at points of entry.
Ottawa defends a precautionary approach
The Canadian government is presenting the measures as a preventive response to an evolving public health situation.
“The health and safety of people in Canada is our top priority,” said Marjorie Michel, Canada’s minister of health. She said the temporary border measures “will help reduce the risk of Ebola disease entering the country,” while ensuring that travelers are managed according to their level of risk.
Michel also emphasized the public health basis of Ottawa’s response. Canada, she added, “will continue to take action guided by science and evidence to protect Canadians.”
That position was echoed by Lena Metlege Diab, minister of immigration, refugees and citizenship, who linked the restrictions to both public protection and border management. “Canadians can be assured that their health and safety is our top priority,” she said.
The planned measures, Diab added, are “necessary to protect Canadians and reinforce the integrity of our border against this threat to public health.” The immigration minister said authorities would “continue to take proactive and decisive action in response to the emerging Ebola outbreak.”
A regional outbreak closely monitored by health authorities
The current outbreak primarily affects the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. According to the World Health Organization, it is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a species of Ebola for which there is no licensed vaccine or specific treatment, although early supportive care can save lives. WHO says the outbreak is occurring in a difficult context marked by insecurity, population displacement and significant cross-border movement.
In its May 26, 2026, update, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control said the DRC had reported 105 confirmed cases, including 10 deaths, as well as 906 suspected cases, including 223 deaths, in the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu. Uganda, for its part, had reported seven confirmed cases, including one death, several of them linked to travel from the DRC.
Canada says no imported case of Ebola disease has ever been recorded in the country and that no cases are currently being reported in North America. Authorities add, however, that the measures may be adjusted depending on how the epidemiological situation evolves in Canada and abroad.
Travelers urged to check official guidance before departure
Travelers affected by plans to travel to Canada are being advised to check official information on travel.gc.ca before departure, as border measures may change quickly.
For travelers residing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda or South Sudan, the temporary suspension of immigration documents means that a visa, eTA or already approved document does not guarantee boarding or entry to Canada while the measure is in effect.
