Canada's temporary Ebola border measures are now officially in effect, with federal health officials providing new details on what travellers arriving from affected countries can expect upon entry.
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) announced that the measures, first outlined last week, took effect May 30 at 11:59 p.m. EDT and will remain in place until Aug. 29, 2026. The rules are aimed at reducing the risk of Ebola disease entering and spreading in Canada, although PHAC continues to describe the overall risk to Canadians as low.
The update expands on restrictions announced May 26, when Ottawa introduced a 90-day suspension of immigration documents for residents of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, while also requiring returning travellers from those countries to quarantine for 21 days.
Under the measures now in force, travellers entering Canada who have been in any of the three countries within the previous 21 days will be assessed upon arrival and required to follow specific public health requirements. This includes Canadian citizens, permanent residents, persons registered under the Indian Act and eligible foreign nationals.
PHAC said affected travellers must have a suitable quarantine plan before arriving in Canada, including access to a location where they can remain for 21 days, avoid close contact with others and obtain essential services such as food, medication and public health support. Those without symptoms must proceed directly to their quarantine location and remain there for the full 21-day period.
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Travellers who do not have an appropriate quarantine location will be provided one by the federal government, such as a hotel, where they will be monitored regularly by public health officials. During quarantine, individuals must monitor themselves daily for symptoms and report their health status to authorities.
Anyone exhibiting symptoms of Ebola disease upon arrival will receive an immediate medical assessment and be placed in isolation at a medical facility or another location designated by a quarantine officer. Symptomatic travellers will remain in isolation for at least 21 days and until they no longer pose a public health risk.
The measures come as governments around the world tighten travel protocols in response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Central and East Africa.
Canada, the United States and Mexico recently announced coordinated public health measures ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, while several other countries have introduced screening, quarantine or entry restrictions for travellers arriving from affected regions.
According to the Government of Canada, there have never been any imported cases of Ebola disease in Canada and there are currently no cases in North America.
Officials say the measures will remain under review and could be adjusted as the international situation evolves.
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