OTTAWA, ONTARIO – The Government of Canada has introduced temporary Ebola border measures in response to the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The measures aim to reduce the risk of the disease entering and spreading within Canada.
From 11:59 p.m. EDT on 20 July 2026, Canada prohibits entry by any foreign national who has been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the previous 21 days. An Interim Order under the Aeronautics Act also requires commercial and private air carriers to prevent affected foreign nationals from boarding flights to Canada.
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) had previously introduced temporary measures under the Quarantine Act. These measures took effect at 11:59 p.m. EDT on 30 May and will remain in force until 29 August 2026.
Canada introduced the Ebola border measures as a precaution, although authorities assess the public health risk to Canadians as low. Moreover, the country has recorded no travel-related Ebola cases to date.
According to the government, limiting the entry of foreign nationals who have recently visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo may reduce public health risks. The restrictions also seek to support border procedures that can safely process travellers entering Canada, including returning humanitarian workers.
The new restrictions do not change the rules for Canadian citizens, permanent residents or persons registered under the Indian Act. Those who have been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda or South Sudan during the previous 21 days may continue to enter Canada.
However, these travellers will receive a health assessment on arrival and must quarantine for 21 days. All other provisions included in the previous Order in Council will also remain in effect until 29 August 2026.
Canada has advised people planning international travel to review the official travel advice and advisories for their destinations before departure. PHAC updated its level two travel health notice for Ebola disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on 19 May. Travelexpense platform
Meanwhile, travellers planning to visit Uganda should consult the outbreak-monitoring alert available through the travel advice issued for the destination. The temporary Ebola border measures will continue alongside the existing health assessment and quarantine requirements.
Tags: Ebola border Canada