Canadian government responds to Ebola outbreak with temporary border measures

The Canadian government is introducing temporary border measures to reduce the risk of the Ebola virus entering and spreading within Canada.

Saying it was “taking decisive action,” the federal government’s temporary measures come in response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and increasing risks in Uganda and South Sudan.

The government said that it intends to suspend immigration documents for residents of countries that have a high or very high risk of outbreak of Ebola disease for the next 90 days beginning May 27, 23:59 EDT.

At this time, this includes the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan and it will mean that even those with a previously approved temporary resident visa, electronic travel authorization (eTA) or permanent resident visa will not be allowed to travel to Canada while their immigration document is suspended.

During this time, the Canadian government also intends to temporarily pause making decisions on applications for these documents from residents of these countries.

And the government said that it intends to implement an additional measure effective May 30 at 23:59 pm EDT until August 29, 2026, whereby Canadian citizens, permanent residents, persons registered under the Indian Act, and foreign nationals, who have been in these areas within the previous 21 days and do not have symptoms, will have to quarantine for 21 days.

If they do not have a place where they can quarantine safely, they will be provided with an appropriate location.

Travellers who have symptoms will be isolated at a hospital for further assessment. These measures are being implemented under the Quarantine Act.

Minister of Health, Marjorie Michel said that: “The health and safety of people in Canada is our top priority. 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.”

Those who are already in Canada are not impacted by these measures, and may continue to stay here for their authorized period of stay.

As per standard procedure, these travellers were already screened upon their arrival by a Canada Border Services Agency Border Services Officers. Canadian citizens and permanent residents could still return to Canada and would undergo screening at ports of entry upon their arrival.

While the risk to people in Canada remains low, the Government of Canada is taking a precautionary approach given the severity of Ebola disease and the evolving international situation, including the FIFA World Cup. There has never been a case of Ebola disease imported into Canada and there are currently no cases of Ebola disease in North America.

Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab said that: “Canadians can be assured that their health and safety is our top priority. The measures we plan to introduce are necessary to protect Canadians and reinforce the integrity of our border against this threat to public health. We will continue to take proactive and decisive action in response to the emerging Ebola outbreak.”

The government continues to monitor the situation closely and will adjust these measures as needed based on available evidence, including the epidemiological situation in Canada and internationally.

Travellers are reminded that border measures may change with little notice and are encouraged to check the latest information before travelling at www.travel.gc.ca .