Canada Suspends Visas for DRC, Uganda, South Sudan Over Ebola, May 26

The Government of Canada introduced temporary border measures on May 26 to block the spread of Ebola into the country. Starting May 27, the government will suspend all immigration documents for residents of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan for 90 days. Travelers returning from these areas within 21 days must quarantine, even if symptom-free.

Canada’s 90-Day Immigration Freeze

The Government of Canada will suspend immigration documents for residents of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan beginning May 27 at 23:59 EDT. This suspension lasts 90 days and applies to all visa types: temporary resident visas, electronic travel authorizations (eTA), and permanent resident visas. Even people with previously approved documents cannot travel to Canada during this period. The government will also pause processing new applications from residents of these countries.

Mandatory Quarantine for Returning Travelers

Starting May 30 at 23:59 EDT through August 29, 2026, anyone who traveled to affected areas within the previous 21 days must quarantine for 21 days. This applies to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, persons registered under the Indian Act, and foreign nationals. Those without a safe quarantine location will receive government housing. Travelers showing symptoms will be isolated in hospitals for assessment. People already in Canada are not affected and may stay for their authorized period.

The Outbreak’s Scale and Spread

As of May 25, the Democratic Republic of the Congo reported 105 confirmed cases with 10 deaths and 906 suspected cases with 223 deaths across Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces. Uganda has 7 confirmed cases including 1 death, linked to travel from the DRC. The Bundibugyo virus outbreak has no approved vaccine or specific treatment. The World Health Organization declared it a public health emergency of international concern on May 17.

International Response and Funding

Governments and international partners announced approximately $498.8 million in commitments to strengthen response operations. The World Bank committed $160 million for the DRC. The International Civil Aviation Organization urged airlines to follow WHO safety protocols while keeping flights operational. European health authorities assessed infection risk for EU residents as very low, citing the virus’s need for direct contact with bodily fluids to spread.

Final Thoughts

Canada’s border freeze and quarantine rules aim to prevent Ebola from entering the country. The measures remain in place through August 29, with the 90-day visa suspension ending around late August.

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