Canada and US Implement Travel Restrictions Amid Ebola Outbreak

Canada and the United States have introduced significant travel restrictions and visa suspensions for residents of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan. These measures, effective May 27, 2026, are a direct response to a high-risk Ebola outbreak linked to the Bundibugyo strain. The goal is to protect public health and safety by limiting the potential spread of the virus.

The Canadian government announced it would suspend the validity of temporary resident visas, electronic travel authorizations (eTAs), and permanent resident visas for individuals from these three nations for a period of 90 days. This suspension began at 23:59 EDT on May 27, 2026. Additionally, Canada has paused decisions on all new applications for study and work permits originating from these countries.

Enhanced Screening and Quarantine Measures

Beyond visa suspensions, Canada has also implemented a mandatory 21-day quarantine requirement for its citizens, permanent residents, and foreign nationals who have recently traveled from the affected regions. This quarantine period begins on May 30, 2026. Travelers showing symptoms will be isolated in a hospital, while asymptomatic individuals will be monitored.

The United States took similar, though slightly different, actions. The U.S. Department of State paused visa services at its embassies in Kinshasa, Kampala, and Juba starting May 18, 2026. While currently valid U.S. visas remain active for travel, travelers arriving from the affected countries are subject to enhanced airport screenings. Flights carrying passengers who have been in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan are being rerouted to specific designated airports for these screenings.

Rationale Behind the Restrictions

Canadian officials have described these measures as temporary and precautionary, emphasizing that the safety of Canadians is the top priority. The decision to implement these restrictions was influenced by the World Health Organization’s assessment of the Bundibugyo Ebola strain as “very high” risk, particularly due to the absence of a current vaccine.

The timing of these restrictions also coincides with preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is expected to increase international travel to North America. Both governments cited this upcoming event as a reason for acting proactively to manage potential health risks before travel volumes escalate.

Differences in U.S. and Canadian Approaches

While both nations are responding to the Ebola outbreak, their specific approaches differ. Canada’s suspension directly impacts the validity of issued travel documents for 90 days, meaning residents from the affected countries cannot use these documents for travel during this period. In contrast, the U.S. allows currently valid visas to remain active but enforces stricter screening and potential entry suspensions under separate health orders.

This distinction means that a traveler with a valid U.S. visa who has recently been in one of the three countries might still face restrictions under the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s orders. The U.S. also implemented a 30-day order under Title 42 authorities suspending the entry of certain non-U.S. citizens who had been present in the affected countries within the preceding 21 days.

Impact on Immigration and Travel

The Canadian measures extend to permanent resident visas, affecting individuals planning to immigrate. The pause on new application decisions means that study and work permit applications from residents of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan are currently on hold. Officials have stated that these measures are temporary and that travel documents are expected to be reactivated after the 90-day suspension period, provided they are not otherwise affected.

The U.S. approach, while pausing new visa services at its embassies, does not suspend the validity of already issued visas. However, the enhanced screening and potential entry limitations under CDC and Department of Homeland Security orders create a layered system of controls. These actions collectively aim to mitigate the risk of Ebola transmission during a period of increased global travel.