Ebola Puts Canada’s Border on High Alert as Congo Outbreak Worsens
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Canada is introducing tougher temporary border restrictions as the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to spread, barring foreign nationals who have recently visited the country from entering Canada.
The measure takes effect at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Monday, July 20, 2026, and applies to any foreign national who has been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the previous 21 days. Commercial and private airlines will also be required to prevent affected travellers from boarding flights bound for Canada.
The Public Health Agency of Canada said the restrictions were being introduced as a precaution to reduce the possibility of the virus entering and spreading within the country. Canadian authorities continue to assess the Ebola risk to people in Canada as low, and no travel-related cases have been reported in the country.
Canadian citizens, permanent residents and people registered under the Indian Act will still be permitted to return after travelling to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda or South Sudan. However, they will undergo a health assessment upon arrival and will generally be required to quarantine for 21 days. Travellers showing possible Ebola symptoms will be medically examined and placed in isolation at an appropriate healthcare facility.
The latest restrictions expand measures introduced by Canada in May, including the temporary suspension of certain visas, electronic travel authorizations and other immigration documents belonging to foreign nationals whose applications listed the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda or South Sudan as their last country of residence.
The World Health Organization reported that the Democratic Republic of the Congo had recorded 2,124 confirmed cases and 828 deaths as of July 15. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo Ebola virus, remained active in 38 health zones across five provinces, with Ituri accounting for most confirmed infections and deaths.
Canada’s decision comes despite World Health Organization guidance discouraging broad travel and trade restrictions. The organization has warned that such measures can stigmatize affected communities, disrupt humanitarian assistance and make disease outbreaks more difficult to control.
Ebola is mainly transmitted through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person. Canadian officials said the new restrictions are temporary and designed to strengthen the country’s ability to safely manage travellers arriving at its borders during the outbreak.
