Canada Tightens Ebola Travel Measures Ahead of World Cup
Canadian officials are introducing temporary immigration and border measures affecting travellers from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, as central Africa faces a growing Ebola outbreak. Federal health and immigration officials said several types of documents, including permanent and temporary residence visas, electronic travel authorizations, study permits and work permits, will not be processed for citizens of the three countries for at least 90 days starting Wednesday night.
Officials described the step as a pause rather than an immigration ban, noting that applications from people already in Canada will continue and travellers already en route will be exempt. The decision marks Ottawa’s first use of new powers under Bill C-12, which allows broad suspension or cancellation of visas.
Beginning May 30, anyone who has been in the affected countries within 21 days may enter Canada if eligible, but must undergo a health assessment. Travellers with symptoms will be taken to hospital; others will be required to self-isolate for 21 days. The government says isolation spaces will be provided for Canadians and permanent residents who need them. Screening measures are expected to remain until Aug. 29.
Health Minister Marjorie Michel said the measures reflect concern about Ebola’s severity and the need to coordinate with the United States and Mexico ahead of the FIFA World Cup, which Canada will co-host. The World Health Organization generally discourages broad travel bans, warning that restrictions should be guided by evidence.
The outbreak has surpassed 1,000 suspected cases and caused hundreds of deaths, mostly in Congo, with confirmed cases in Uganda. WHO officials say delayed detection and regional instability are complicating containment. Canada says the domestic risk remains low and will send an epidemiologist to assist response teams. Infectious-disease specialists emphasize stopping transmission in Africa as the central public-health priority for Canada too.