Ebola Fears: Canada Imposes Temporary Visa Ban on Three African Countries

In a bid to curb the spread of the Ebola virus, the Canadian government has introduced a 90-day suspension on the issuance of immigration documents to residents of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan. This move is part of the country's broader efforts to prevent the disease from entering its borders. According to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the decision to suspend immigration documents is crucial in responding to the Ebola outbreak in the affected countries. The government stated, 'Reminder: we are suspending immigration documents for residents of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan for 90 days. During this time, we also plan to pause decisions on applications from these countries.' This measure is vital to prevent the disease from spreading to Canada. The suspension, which began on May 27, applies to temporary resident visas, electronic travel authorisations, and permanent resident visas. It also includes a temporary pause on processing new immigration applications from the affected countries. Individuals with previously approved travel documents will not be permitted to travel to Canada during the suspension period. Additionally, the government has introduced public health controls under the Quarantine Act, including a mandatory 21-day quarantine requirement for travellers who had been in the affected countries within 21 days prior to arrival, even if they show no symptoms. The government intends to implement an additional measure effective May 30, whereby Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and foreign nationals who have been in these areas within the previous 21 days and do not have symptoms, will have to quarantine for 21 days. While the risk to people in Canada remains low, authorities have taken a precautionary approach due to the severity of Ebola and the evolving global health situation. The World Health Organization has declared the May 2026 Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, citing the severity of the Bundibugyo strain, which currently has no approved vaccines or specific treatments.