Canada Slams 90-Day Travel Ban on 3 African Nations Over Deadly Ebola Outbreak
The Canadian government has announced sweeping emergency border restrictions targeting residents of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda and South Sudan following fears over the rapidly spreading Ebola outbreak in Central Africa.
Canadian authorities confirmed that the temporary measures will take effect from May 27, 2026, and will remain in place for at least 90 days as officials move to prevent the deadly virus from entering the country.
Under the new policy, immigration documents issued to residents of the three affected countries will be suspended, including temporary resident visas, electronic travel authorisations (eTA) and permanent resident visas. Even travellers who already received approval before the announcement will not be allowed to enter Canada while the suspension remains active.
The Canadian government also disclosed that immigration authorities will temporarily stop processing new applications from residents of the affected nations during the restriction period. Officials said the measures could be extended depending on how the outbreak develops in the coming months.
In a statement released on Tuesday, May 26, the Public Health Agency of Canada said the decision followed worsening Ebola conditions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and rising risks in neighbouring Uganda and South Sudan.
Canadian Health Minister, Marjorie Michel, said the restrictions were introduced to protect public safety and reduce the chances of the virus spreading within Canada.
“The health and safety of people in Canada is our top priority,” she said while announcing the emergency measures.
The outbreak currently affecting the region involves the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a variant for which there is still no approved vaccine or specific treatment. The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the outbreak a global public health emergency on May 17 after infections spread across parts of eastern Congo and into Uganda.
Health officials in the DRC have reported hundreds of suspected infections and more than 200 deaths linked to the outbreak, with experts warning that the actual figures could be significantly higher due to underreporting and difficulties accessing conflict-hit areas.
Canada also announced additional quarantine measures beginning May 30. Canadian citizens, permanent residents and other approved travellers arriving from the affected countries will be required to self-isolate for 21 days if they visited those areas within the previous three weeks, even if they show no symptoms. Anyone displaying symptoms upon arrival will be transferred to hospital for further medical assessment.
Authorities stressed that there are currently no confirmed Ebola cases in Canada or elsewhere in North America, but said the measures were necessary because of the seriousness of the outbreak and the increased movement of international travellers ahead of major global events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The United States recently introduced similar restrictions on travellers connected to the affected countries, while the Bahamas also announced temporary Ebola-related travel controls.
