Canada halts visas from three African countries due to Ebola concerns
Canada has temporarily suspended immigration documents for residents of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan. The move comes as the country steps up efforts to prevent the spread of Ebola from affected regions. The Canadian government outlined new border measures and quarantine requirements for travellers from these nations. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and other officials emphasized that the risk to Canadians remains low.
What we know
- Canada has suspended immigration documents for residents of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan for 90 days, as stated in a government memo dated May 26.
- The suspension began at 23:59 EDT on May 27 and affects temporary resident visas, electronic travel authorisations (eTA), and permanent resident visas.
- An additional measure will take effect from May 30 at 23:59 pm EDT until August 29, 2026, requiring a 21-day quarantine for certain travellers from the affected countries.
- The World Health Organization declared the May 2026 Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
- The United States has also introduced similar temporary restrictions and screening measures for travellers from these regions.
