New Temporary Border Measures in Response to the Ebola Disease Outbreak

New Temporary Border Measures in Response to the Ebola Disease Outbreak

July 19, 2026 | Ottawa, Ontario | Public Health Agency of Canada

In response to the ongoing Ebola disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Government of Canada is taking decisive action and implementing new temporary border measures to reduce the risk of the disease entering and spreading within Canada. As of Monday, July 20, 2026, 11:59 p.m. EDT, any foreign national who was in the Democratic Republic of the Congo within the past 21 days will be prohibited from entering Canada. To support this measure, an Interim Order under the Aeronautics Act is also in place, requiring commercial and private air carriers to not permit foreign nationals to board a flight to Canada.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) previously introduced temporary border measures under the Quarantine Act to reduce the risk of introduction and spread of Ebola disease in Canada. These measures came into effect on May 30 at 11:59 p.m. EDT and are in effect until August 29, 2026. These temporary border measures are out of an abundance of caution, as the health risk to Canadians from Ebola disease is considered low, and no travel-related cases have been reported in Canada to date.

Limiting entry of foreign nationals who have been in the DRC in the previous 21 days may reduce public health risks for Canadians and is intended to increase the effectiveness and sustainability of border measures that can safely process travellers arriving in Canada, including our returning humanitarian workers.