Ottawa Tightens Border Restrictions over Ebola Fears

Travellers hoping to visit the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Rainforest, see the historic sites in Kampala, or float to the source of the Nile in Uganda need to be aware of a quarantine requirement the Canadian government is putting on people who have been to Ebola-affected regions of East Africa. 

The neighouring countries of Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan are also affected by the measures, however those countries have each been under a red/avoid all travel advisory for some time, so the restrictions are less likely to be applicable to Canadian travellers.

The new guidance from the Public Health Agency states that as of May 30 at 23:59 pm EDT and effective until August 29, 2026, anyone who has been in the affected regions (DRC, Uganda and South Sudan) in the past 21 days and does not show any symptoms of Ebola must quarantine for 21 days. If a person does not have an appropriate place to quarantine, one will be provided.

Anyone who has travelled from the area in the last three weeks and does show symptoms must report to the public health authority. Please do not go out in public or to the hospital without speaking to the health authority first. 

According to Public Health, early symptoms of Ebola include:

• fever
• chills
• headache
• sore throat
• feeling tired
• joint pain
• muscle pain and weakness

"The health and safety of people in Canada is our top priority,” says The Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health. “These temporary border measures will help reduce the risk of Ebola disease entering the country while ensuring that travellers are managed based on their level of risk. We will continue to take action guided by science and evidence to protect Canadians."

The quarantine requirement applies to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, persons registered under the Indian Act and foreign nationals.

Strict measures regarding immigration from the affected regions have now been put in place as well, with immigration documents suspended and a pause put on immigration decisions for applications presently under consideration. People who are already in Canada may stay for their approved length of stay. 

In a statement, the government reminds Canadians that the risk to people in Canada remains low but it is taking a “precautionary approach” given the severity of Ebola disease and the evolving international situation, including the FIFA World Cup 2026. There has never been a case of Ebola disease imported into Canada and there are currently no cases of Ebola disease in North America.

The Government of Canada also states that it will continue to monitor the situation closely and will adjust these measures as needed based on available evidence, including the epidemiological situation in Canada and internationally.

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