Canada Issues Temporary Immigration Measures for Ebola‑Affected Regions

Key Point  

• Canada has temporarily suspended immigration documents for foreign nationals living in the DRC, South Sudan and Uganda due to Ebola‑related public health measures. 

Temporary Immigration Ban for Ebola-Affected Regions  

On May 29, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) activated temporary public health measures affecting foreign nationals living in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), South Sudan and Uganda.  

These measures are intended to reduce the risk of Ebola entering Canada and apply regardless of immigration category. As a result, the following immigration related activities are paused:  

• Temporary suspension of immigration documents, including visas, permits and other authorizations. 
• Impacted individuals cannot use suspended documents to travel to Canada until the measures are lifted. 
• Applications already in progress may be paused during this period. 

How to Know if A Document Is Suspended 

Foreign nationals from the affected countries may see: 

• A notice indicating their document is temporarily suspended 
• Delays in processing or final decisions 
• Inability to board a flight or enter Canada using a suspended document 

If You Were Already in Canada 

Individuals who were inside Canada when the measures took effect may remain in Canada legally. Their status is not revoked, but they may experience: 

• Delays in processing extensions or new applications 
• Additional communication from IRCC if further information is required 

Transit to Canada 

Travelers who were en route to Canada when the measures began may face: 

• Additional screening 
• Possible delays at the border 
• Instructions from border officers regarding next steps 

Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents 

Canadian citizens and permanent residents are not subject to document suspensions. However, they may still receive: 

• Public health instructions 
• Monitoring or follow‑up if they recently traveled through affected regions 

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