- The restriction follows an earlier government directive issued on May 26 and took effect shortly before midnight on May 27
- It covers temporary resident visas, electronic travel authorisations (eTA) and permanent resident visas
- As part of additional health precautions, the government has invoked provisions of the Quarantine Act
Canada has announced a temporary 90-day suspension of certain immigration services for residents of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan as part of efforts to prevent the spread of Ebola.
In a statement issued by Immigration, Eko Hot Blog reports that Refugees and Citizenship Canada, authorities said immigration documents for residents of the three countries would be suspended, while decisions on pending applications would also be temporarily halted.
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The agency explained that the measure is intended to reduce the risk of Ebola entering Canada amid ongoing outbreaks in parts of Africa.
The restriction follows an earlier government directive issued on May 26 and took effect shortly before midnight on May 27.
It covers temporary resident visas, electronic travel authorisations (eTA) and permanent resident visas. New immigration applications from the affected countries will also face a temporary processing pause.
Canadian authorities noted that even individuals who had already received travel approval before the policy took effect would not be allowed to travel to Canada during the suspension period.
As part of additional health precautions, the government has invoked provisions of the Quarantine Act, requiring travellers who have recently been in the affected countries to undergo a mandatory 21-day quarantine, even if they do not display symptoms of the disease.
Under the policy, travellers without suitable quarantine arrangements may be placed in designated facilities, while those showing symptoms could be transferred to hospitals for further medical evaluation and isolation.
The government clarified that the new restrictions do not affect individuals already residing in Canada. Canadian citizens and permanent residents will still be permitted to return to the country but will be subject to health screening and other entry requirements.
Officials said the measures were adopted as a precaution despite the relatively low risk of Ebola transmission within Canada.
They cited concerns over the seriousness of the outbreak and increased international travel ahead of major global events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Authorities also stressed that Canada has never recorded an imported Ebola case and that no active Ebola infections have been reported anywhere in North America.
The latest move comes shortly after the United States introduced similar travel restrictions and enhanced screening measures for visitors arriving from Ebola-affected regions, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization has classified the Ebola outbreaks reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, citing concerns over the virulent Bundibugyo strain, for which no approved vaccine or specific treatment currently exists.
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