Canada Extends Ebola-Related Travel Restrictions on Uganda

Canada has extended its temporary immigration and border measures affecting Uganda and neighboring countries due to persistent concerns about the Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These measures, initially implemented in May, will now remain in effect until November 27, 2026, extending for another 60 days.

The Canadian government stated its continued apprehension regarding the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and the potential for its spread to adjacent nations, including Uganda and South Sudan. Consequently, immigration documents for residents of countries identified as high-risk for Ebola, such as the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan, will continue to be suspended.

This means individuals whose last country of residence was among these affected nations cannot travel to Canada, even with a valid visa or electronic travel authorization, as long as the restrictions are active. The measures also encompass individuals who have transited through these high-risk countries.

The extension comes despite Uganda having been declared free of the Ebola Bundibugyo disease on August 27, 2026, after a 42-day period without new confirmed cases. During the outbreak, Uganda reported 20 confirmed cases, with 15 linked to the DRC and five locally acquired, resulting in two deaths.

However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has cautioned that Uganda remains vulnerable to reintroduction due to ongoing transmission in the neighboring DRC and cross-border movements. The DRC outbreak itself remains active, with significant case and death tolls reported.

Ugandan authorities have previously expressed reservations about being grouped with the DRC under such broad international travel restrictions, highlighting that the majority of their cases were imported and contained. While Canada’s measures aim to mitigate the risk of Ebola entering the country, they allow for the processing of applications, though finalization is paused during the restriction period.

https://observer.ug/news/canada-extends-travel-restrictions-on-uganda