Ebola travel and immigration restrictions

Summary#

Two related emergency orders were made in late May 2026 to reduce the risk that Ebola disease reaches Canada. The Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to Ebola Disease in Canada Order (Immigration Applications and Documents) pauses certain immigration applications and travel documents for people living in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan. The Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to Ebola Disease in Canada Order, 2026 (under the Quarantine Act) requires health checks and a 21‑day quarantine or isolation for travellers who were in those countries (or any country later judged high‑risk) in the previous 21 days.

What it does#

• Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act order (came into force just before 23:59:59 EDT on May 27, 2026, and runs until 23:59:59 EDT on August 28, 2026):

  • Suspends processing of applications from foreign nationals outside Canada who say they reside in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda or South Sudan for:
    • permanent resident visas,
    • temporary resident visas,
    • electronic travel authorizations (eTAs),
    • work permits,
    • study permits,
    • temporary resident permits.
  • Suspends certain already‑issued documents for those people (permanent and temporary resident visas, eTAs and temporary resident permits), so those holders cannot travel to Canada while suspended.
  • Gives the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration the power to exempt individuals, amend the list, extend or repeal the order.

• Under the Quarantine Act order (in effect from 23:59:59 EDT on May 30, 2026 to 23:59:59 EDT on August 29, 2026, with some continuing obligations to October 10, 2026 for people entering in a late August window):

  • Requires travellers who have been in the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan (or any country later assessed as “high” or “very high” risk by the Minister of Health) within the previous 21 days to:
    • tell border officers about that travel,
    • undergo a health assessment on arrival,
    • if asymptomatic, provide a suitable quarantine plan and quarantine for 21 days, or go to a government quarantine facility;
    • if symptomatic, be immediately isolated, medically examined and remain in isolation (at least 21 days from entry or symptom onset).
  • Lists limited exemptions (for example, aircrew, certain diplomats, people entering to help with the Ebola response, members of the Canadian Forces, and medical transport or care workers), who still must self‑monitor and follow instructions.
  • States penalties for non‑compliance, including fines up to $1,000,000 and/or imprisonment for 3 years.
  • Coordinates with enhanced airport screening and other public health measures already in place.

Who's affected#

• Primary groups affected:

  • Foreign nationals outside Canada who say they reside in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda or South Sudan — their applications and some existing travel documents are suspended while the immigration order is in force.
  • Travellers (of any nationality) who have been in those countries, or any country later designated high/very high risk, in the 21 days before arriving in Canada — they face mandatory health checks and quarantine or isolation on entry under the Quarantine Act order.

• Those generally not affected by the immigration suspension:

  • Canadian citizens, permanent residents, people registered under the Indian Act, U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents, and accredited foreign representatives (these categories are exempt from needing a visa).

• Other exempted travellers under the quarantine rules include:

  • aircrew and some other crew members,
  • accredited diplomats and their immediate family,
  • people entering at the Minister’s invitation to assist the Ebola response,
  • members of the Canadian Forces and certain visiting military,
  • people providing medical care or transporting essential medical equipment.

• Volumes reported by the government (snapshot as of late May 2026):

  • about 24,548 people held valid immigration documents or had applications linked to the affected countries (this is the government’s inventory figure at that time).

Why it matters#

• Public health: The measures aim to reduce the chance that Ebola enters or spreads within Canada. Ebola can cause severe illness and has prompted a World Health Organization emergency declaration.
• Practical impacts for people: Residents of the three listed countries who planned to apply for, or travel on, Canadian visas, eTAs, work or study permits could have processing paused and travel delayed for the length of the order. Travellers who recently visited those countries can expect screening and a 21‑day quarantine or isolation on arrival.
• Travel and reunification delays: The orders can delay family reunions, study and work starts, and planned trips. Airlines and travellers may face last‑minute refusals to board if documents are suspended.
• Enforcement and consequences: Not following the quarantine order can lead to large fines ($1,000,000) and possible jail time (3 years), so travellers should comply with screening and quarantine instructions.
• Temporary and adjustable: Both orders are time‑limited but can be amended, extended or repealed by the federal ministers if the public‑health situation changes.