Ebola disease: Temporary measures
Although the risk to Canada is low, to reduce the chances of Ebola entering Canada, we put temporary measures in place for foreign nationals living in
- the Democratic Republic of the Congo
- South Sudan
- Uganda
These measures are in place as of 23:59:59 ET on May 27, 2026, and will end at 23:59:59 ET on August 28, 2026.
On this page
- What measures are in place for Ebola
- How to know if your document is suspended
- What happens if your document is suspended
- If you were in Canada when the measures were put in place
- If you’re a citizen of any of the affected countries, but you don’t live there
- If you travelled or plan to travel to one of the affected countries
- Contact us about the Ebola measures
What measures are in place for Ebola
The following temporary measures are in place:
- We’re temporarily suspending the immigration documents of foreign nationals who listed one of the affected countries as the last country of residence in their immigration application.
- This means they can’t travel to Canada right now, even with a previously approved visa, permit or electronic travel authorization.
- We’ll continue processing new and existing applications from those affected by these measures, but we won’t finalize any applications at this time.
Once the measures end or are repealed, valid documents will no longer be suspended and we’ll begin making final decisions on applications again.
If you get a passport request letter
If you’re affected by these measures, don’t send your passport to a visa application centre (VAC) until the measures have ended. VACs can’t process passport submissions to finalize visa applications from anyone living in the affected countries right now and won’t hold on to your passport for you.
If you submit your passport, it will be returned to you and you may need to pay additional fees.
How to know if your document is suspended
We’ll notify you by email if your document is suspended. If your email address has changed, contact us to update it.
Immigration documents that are suspended by these measures include
- temporary resident visas
- electronic travel authorizations
- temporary resident permit counterfoils
- permanent resident visas
What happens if your document is suspended
If your document is suspended, it means it’s temporarily not valid. You can’t use it to board a plane or travel to Canada.
When the measures end, we’ll automatically reactivate your document, and you can use it again. You don’t need to do anything to reactivate your document.
If your document will expire soon
The suspension does not extend the expiry date. You need to apply for another document if you want to travel to Canada in the future.
Exemptions
If you’re affected by these measures, you can request an exemption. In your request, you need to
- explain and provide evidence as to why you should be exempt, and
- show that you’re not a risk to public health
We’ll consider exemption requests on a case-by-case basis.
When reviewing your request, we’ll look at
- how much risk you would pose to public health if you were exempted
- what steps you’ve taken or will take to lower the health risk
- whether you’re in urgent need of protection as a member of the Convention refugee or country of asylum class, if applicable
- other humanitarian or compassionate reasons
Contact us to request an exemption.
If you were in Canada when the measures were put in place
Your status in Canada is not affected by these measures, and you can stay in Canada for the period you’ve been authorized to stay.
If you were in Canada and you were notified that you’re affected, contact us to request an exemption.
If you’re a citizen of any of the affected countries, but you don’t live there
These measures are being applied based on the last country of residence in your application, not your citizenship.
If you were living outside the affected countries when you applied for your visa, permit or other immigration document, you’re not affected by these measures.
If you were notified that you’re affected, contact us to request an exemption.
If you travelled or plan to travel to one of the affected countries
If you’ve been in areas with Ebola within the last 21 days or plan to travel to an affected country, you can return to Canada if you’re a
- Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- foreign national who has not been affected by these measures
- You must have a valid temporary resident visa or electronic travel authorization and a valid travel document, such as a passport, to return to Canada.
When you return to Canada, you’ll need to
- do a medical screening, and
- follow all public health measures
More about health and border measures for Ebola
Contact us about the Ebola measures
General questions about the measures
Contact us using our crisis web form (opens in a new tab) .
Request an exemption
How to request an exemption
- Use our crisis web form (opens in a new tab) .
- Select the option “I need help with something else.”
- Include any relevant information and supporting documents to support your request.
Relevant information and supporting documents include
- proof you were outside the affected countries for at least 21 days before the measures started at 11:59:59 p.m. ET on May 27, 2026.
- Examples may include copies of passport pages, boarding passes, accommodation receipts, rental agreements, employment records, pay stubs, bank statements, and proof of enrollment at a learning institution.
- information and documents that show steps you’ve taken or will take to reduce public health risks
- Examples may include proof of self-isolation or quarantine and a note from a medical professional about your health.
- the reason why your immigration documents or application should be processed before the measures end
- any other information or documents that support your case