Canada Imposes Immediate Ban on Foreign Travelers from Democratic Republic of Congo
What the Ban Entails
Effective at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Canada will prohibit any foreign national who has been in the Democratic Republic of Congo within the previous 21 days from entering the country.
Commercial and private airlines are required to deny boarding to such travelers.
Exemptions and Self‑Isolation Requirements
Canadian citizens, permanent residents and individuals registered under the Indian Act who have visited the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan or Uganda in the past 21 days may still enter.
Upon arrival they will undergo a health assessment and must self‑isolate for 21 days.
Background on Earlier Measures
In May, the government introduced a 21‑day self‑isolation requirement for all travelers arriving from Ebola‑affected regions.
The new restriction represents a shift from that approach, targeting only foreign nationals from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Travel Volume and Entry Points
Health officials estimate that roughly 350 people from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan travel to Canada each week.
The majority of these passengers arrive at Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver airports, with about 60 % being Canadian citizens or permanent residents and 40 % being foreign nationals.
Public Health Rationale
The restriction is intended to lower the risk of Ebola introduction and to improve the effectiveness of border controls.
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, limiting entry can help protect Canadians and sustain safe processing of returning humanitarian workers.
Ebola Outbreak Statistics
Since the outbreak began, there have been 2,181 confirmed cases and 864 associated deaths.
The measures will remain in place until August 29.
