Canada has extended temporary immigration and border measures affecting travellers from Uganda, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo until November 27, 2026, citing the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the DRC.
The measures, announced on September 28, extend the restrictions for another 60 days after the previous deadline expired.
Under the measures, immigration documents of foreign nationals whose last country of residence was Uganda, South Sudan or the DRC remain suspended.
This means affected travellers cannot enter Canada even if they hold a previously approved visa, permit or electronic travel authorisation.
Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said it will continue processing affected new and existing applications, but will not finalise them while the measures remain in force.
The restrictions also apply to people who have only transited through the three countries, according to Canada’s public health guidance.
Travellers entering Canada after having been in Uganda, South Sudan or the DRC within the previous 21 days are subject to health measures. Those without symptoms are required to undergo health assessment and quarantine for 21 days, while people showing symptoms can be isolated at a medical facility.
Uganda outbreak ended
The extension comes despite Uganda having officially ended its Ebola outbreak.
The World Health Organisation and Africa CDC announced on August 27 that Uganda had ended the outbreak after completing 42 consecutive days without a new confirmed case. Uganda recorded 20 confirmed cases during the outbreak, including two deaths.
WHO reported that 15 of the 20 confirmed cases were imported and five were secondary cases among contacts and health workers linked to imported infections from the DRC. No community transmission was documented.
Canada, however, says the measures are being maintained because of the continuing Ebola outbreak in the DRC and the evolving risk in neighbouring countries, including Uganda and South Sudan.
The DRC outbreak remains active, with WHO reporting more than 2,000 confirmed cases by July and continued transmission.
The extension has drawn criticism from some Ugandans, with entrepreneur Amos Wekesa questioning the continued restrictions on Uganda after its outbreak ended.
Journalist Canary Mugume also reported that Uganda remains on Canada’s restricted list and that Foreign Minister Adonia Ayebare said the government continues to engage Canada over the measures.
