Canada has extended its temporary Ebola-related border and immigration measures for travellers connected to Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan until September 28, 2026.
The measures were extended for another 30 days as international health authorities continue responding to an Ebola disease outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus. The outbreak began in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda in May.
Canada considers the risk to its general population low. However, authorities are maintaining enhanced precautions because Ebola is a severe disease and transmission continues in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The extension affects travellers, airlines, students, workers, families and tourism businesses connecting the three African countries with Canada. Requirements vary according to nationality, immigration status and recent travel history.
Canada has not included Tanzania in these temporary measures. Other major African tourism destinations, including Kenya, South Africa, Morocco and Egypt, are also outside the country list.
DRC faces strict Canadian entry restrictions
Foreign nationals who have been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the previous 21 days cannot enter Canada, board a Canada-bound flight or transit through the country.
The restriction reflects the continuing outbreak in the DRC, particularly in Ituri Province. The World Health Organization has described the situation as a rapidly expanding epidemic involving sustained transmission and a growing risk of international spread.
The outbreak is caused by Bundibugyo virus, a species of Ebola for which no approved vaccine or specific treatment is currently available. Health agencies are supporting surveillance, contact tracing, clinical care, community engagement and cross-border preparedness.
Canadian citizens, permanent residents and people registered under the Indian Act remain eligible to enter Canada after visiting the DRC. However, they must undergo a health assessment and comply with public-health requirements, including quarantine unless exempt.
Uganda moves into post-outbreak surveillance
Uganda officially ended its Ebola outbreak after completing the required 42-day countdown without a new confirmed case. Nevertheless, Canada continues to include the country in its precautionary measures.
Uganda reported 20 confirmed Bundibugyo Ebola cases during the outbreak. Fifteen were imported from the DRC, while five were locally acquired among contacts and health workers connected with imported cases. Eighteen patients recovered, while two died.
Foreign nationals who visited Uganda within the preceding 21 days may travel to Canada if they hold valid documentation. However, they must complete medical screening and follow applicable public-health measures after arrival.
This distinction is important for airlines and passengers. Uganda does not face the same recent-travel boarding prohibition applied to foreign nationals arriving from the DRC.
Continued surveillance reflects Uganda’s location beside the DRC and the volume of movement across regional borders. Health authorities remain alert to imported infections even after the domestic outbreak declaration has ended.
South Sudan remains covered by precautions
South Sudan is included because Canada considers it at high or very high risk of an Ebola outbreak. Its proximity to affected areas, humanitarian movements and cross-border connections contribute to the precautionary approach.
Travellers who have been in South Sudan during the previous 21 days can enter Canada if they otherwise meet entry requirements. They will undergo assessment and must comply with public-health instructions, including a 21-day quarantine unless an exemption applies.
Travellers who develop symptoms before departure should not travel. Those becoming unwell during a journey or after arrival must immediately inform airline personnel, border officials or healthcare providers about their symptoms and travel history.
Immigration documents remain suspended
Canada has also extended its suspension of certain immigration documents held by foreign nationals who listed the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan as their last country of residence.
Affected documents include temporary resident visas, electronic travel authorisations, temporary resident permit counterfoils and permanent resident visas. People covered by the suspension cannot travel to Canada using previously approved documents.
Canadian immigration authorities will continue processing new and existing applications. However, final decisions will not be issued while the temporary measures remain active.
The policy may disrupt journeys for students, business travellers, workers and families. Applicants should confirm whether they have received an official suspension notice before arranging flights or accommodation.
Airlines face added passenger checks
Airlines must identify passengers affected by Canada’s boarding restrictions, particularly foreign nationals recently present in the DRC. Connecting journeys are also covered, preventing travellers from using an intermediate airport to bypass the rules.
Tour operators and travel advisors should examine complete itineraries rather than only a passenger’s departure country. A traveller beginning a journey elsewhere may still face restrictions after visiting an affected country during the previous 21 days.
East African tourism remains open, and Canada’s measures do not constitute a general restriction on travel across Africa. Tanzania and several other leading destinations are not subject to these Ebola controls.
However, multi-country itineraries require careful planning. Travellers combining tourism in East Africa with visits to Uganda, the DRC or South Sudan may face Canadian entry measures based on their recent location history.
Health security continues shaping travel
The extension demonstrates how regional outbreaks can affect aviation and mobility far beyond the directly affected area. Border screening, quarantine and immigration suspensions can alter international journeys even when the destination country reports a low domestic risk.
Canada’s Ebola travel measures are scheduled to end at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on September 28, 2026. Travellers should verify official requirements before departure because authorities may extend, revise or withdraw the controls as the outbreak evolves.
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