Author: Azadeh Haidari-Garmash, RCIC
Travel restrictions extended as DRC outbreak continues to spread
Based on the most recent information available, here's a summary of Canada's Ebola-related entry restrictions:
Canada's Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has extended its temporary immigration measures for 60 days, until November 27, 2026, in response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Central Africa.
Timeline of Restrictions
Initial Implementation
- May 17, 2026: The World Health Organization declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern
- May 27, 2026 at 23:59 EDT: Immigration document suspensions began for residents of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan
- May 28, 2026: Temporary entry restrictions became effective
- May 30, 2026 at 23:59 pm EDT: Quarantine requirements took effect until August 29, 2026
Travel Ban Expansion
- July 20, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EDT: Foreign nationals who were in the Democratic Republic of the Congo within the past 21 days were prohibited from entering Canada
Extensions
- August 28, 2026: Extended until September 28, 2026
- September 28, 2026: Extended for an additional 60 days until November 27, 2026
Countries Affected
Canada remains deeply concerned about the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the evolving risk of Ebola disease in neighbouring countries, including Uganda and South Sudan.
Canada first introduced travel restrictions on the three countries in May following a new wave of Ebola outbreak particularly in DR Congo.
Current Outbreak Statistics
As of September 27, 2026, the DRC reported a total of 8,067 confirmed cases, including 3,901 related deaths, with 78 new confirmed cases and 49 deaths reported since September 26.
A total of 773 patients are currently hospitalized in isolation, while 2,070 individuals have recovered.
This outbreak began with initial cases reported on May 14, 2026 in Ituri Province and is the 17th Ebola outbreak in the DRC. By early August, it had become the fastest growing Ebola outbreak on record, as well as the second largest.
The Bundibugyo species of Ebola involved is one for which there is no vaccine or specific treatment, though work is ongoing to test promising candidates.
The outbreak was declared a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) by WHO on May 16, 2026.
Geographic Spread
The outbreak has affected 63 health zones across seven provinces: Bas-Uélé, Haut-Uélé, Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Sud Ubangi and Tshopo.
Ituri province remains the most affected, with 6,155 cases, including 2,834 deaths, reported from 28 of 36 health zones.
Recent Trends
In the last 21 days, cases of infection fell by approximately 26 per cent in Ituri province and by 15 per cent in Haut Uele province.
However, North Kivu province recorded a 73 per cent increase over the same period.
International Spread
Uganda reported 20 cases and declared the outbreak over on July 28, with the last confirmed case on June 21.
No new cases were detected in Uganda or South Sudan, although their proximity to the DR Congo places them among the countries considered at high risk of transmission.
Additionally, one imported case was reported in France (a medical humanitarian worker who returned infected from DRC).
Response Efforts
On September 19, 2026, MSF and Epicentre launched a study to evaluate the effectiveness of the ERVEBO vaccine among 20,000 frontline health workers in Ituri and North Kivu provinces.
Restriction Details
Canada has temporary border measures in place until November 27, 2026, for travellers who have been in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, or South Sudan within the preceding 21 days.
For Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents
Canadians and Canadian permanent residents who have been in these countries in the preceding 21 days and who don't have Ebola disease symptoms when they get to Canada must quarantine for 21 days and monitor their health daily.
For Foreign Nationals
As of July 20, 2026, foreign nationals cannot board a flight to Canada if they've been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, for any period of time, within the past 21 days.
Immigration documents of travellers from DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan are put on hold until the restriction is lifted, and the restriction also extends to individuals whose last country of residence was one of the three affected nations at the time of their visa application.
People whose last country of residence at the time of their application was one of these countries cannot travel to Canada at this time, even if they have a previously approved visa, permit or electronic travel authorisation.
Foreign nationals who have been in the DRC within the previous 21 days are prohibited from entering Canada.
Transit through affected countries counts - no exemptions for transiting or refuelling.
Immigration Processing
Canada will continue processing new and existing applications from those affected by these measures, but won't finalize any applications at this time. Once the measures end or are repealed, valid documents will no longer be suspended and decisions on applications will resume.
