The Canadian government has introduced temporary travel and immigration restrictions affecting travellers from selected African nations following the recent Ebola outbreak.
Naija News understands that the countries impacted by the restrictions are the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda, and South Sudan, which Canadian authorities identified as high-risk locations linked to the spread of the virus.
In a statement issued by the Public Health Agency of Canada, officials announced that immigration documents for residents of the affected countries would be suspended for 90 days starting from May 27, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EDT.
The suspension applies to previously approved temporary resident visas, electronic travel authorisations, and permanent resident visas, preventing affected individuals from travelling to Canada during the restriction period.
Canadian authorities further stated that processing of new applications for the same categories of travel documents from residents of the listed countries would also be temporarily halted.
The government disclosed that an additional precautionary measure will take effect from May 30, 2026, and remain valid until August 29, 2026. Under the directive, Canadian citizens, permanent residents, individuals registered under the Indian Act, and foreign nationals who have visited the affected areas within the previous 21 days but show no symptoms will be required to quarantine for 21 days upon arrival in Canada.
Travellers without suitable quarantine arrangements will be provided with designated accommodation, while anyone displaying symptoms will be isolated in a hospital for medical evaluation and treatment.
According to Canadian authorities, the restrictions are being enforced under the Quarantine Act to minimise the risk of Ebola entering and spreading within the country.
The government clarified that individuals already residing in Canada are not affected by the new measures and may continue to stay for their approved duration. Canadian citizens and permanent residents will still be permitted to return home but will undergo health screening at entry points.
Canada stressed that the risk to residents remains low, noting that the country has never recorded an imported Ebola case and that there are currently no confirmed Ebola cases in North America.
The latest outbreak has been linked to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) declaring the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern earlier in May.
However, the WHO has advised countries against shutting borders or imposing international travel and trade restrictions, instead encouraging governments to strengthen surveillance, contact tracing, testing, treatment, and public awareness campaigns.
Canadian authorities stated that the temporary measures would be continuously reviewed based on scientific evidence and developments in the global health situation.