The Canadian government has extended temporary immigration and border measures affecting Uganda and neighbouring countries due to concerns about the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These measures, initially introduced in May, have been extended by another 60 days until November 27, 2026. The decision was announced on September 28.
According to the Canadian government, the extension is due to ongoing concerns about the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and the risk of the disease spreading to neighbouring countries, including Uganda and South Sudan. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) stated that immigration documents would remain suspended for residents of countries classified as having a high or very high risk of Ebola.
The restrictions mean that people whose last country of residence was one of the high-risk countries, including the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan, cannot travel to Canada while the measures are in force. This applies even if they hold a previously approved visa, permit, or electronic travel authorisation. The measures also apply to people who have transited through the affected countries.
The extension comes more than a month after Uganda was declared free of Ebola Bundibugyo disease on August 27. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and Africa CDC announced the end of Uganda’s outbreak after 42 consecutive days without a new confirmed case. During the outbreak, Uganda reported 20 confirmed cases, including 15 imported cases linked to the DRC and five locally acquired infections.
Despite Uganda being declared free of Ebola, the WHO has warned that the country remains at risk of reintroduction due to continued transmission in the DRC and cross-border movement. The DRC outbreak remains active, with 5,794 confirmed cases and 2,786 deaths reported as of August 26. The outbreak has spread across 60 health zones in six provinces.
Ugandan authorities have previously expressed concerns about being grouped with the DRC under international travel restrictions. They argue that most of Uganda’s cases were imported from the DRC and were contained without sustained community transmission. The Canadian government’s measures aim to reduce the possibility of Ebola entering the country.
The restrictions have drawn criticism from public health officials and advocates, who argue that broad travel measures can have economic and social consequences and may not reflect the epidemiological situation in individual countries. The WHO has maintained that countries should base their response on evidence and international health regulations.
Key points
- Canada extends travel restrictions on Uganda and neighbouring countries over Ebola concerns.
- The restrictions were initially introduced in May and extended by another 60 days until November 27, 2026.
- Uganda was declared free of Ebola Bundibugyo disease on August 27, but remains at risk of reintroduction.
