Canada extends Ebola travel restrictions for another 60 days

Canada has extended travel and immigration restrictions linked to the Ebola outbreak in Africa for another 60 days, keeping measures affecting travellers from Uganda, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in place until Nov. 27.

The restrictions, first introduced in May, had been scheduled to expire Monday at midnight.

Under the extended measures, immigration documents — including valid visas and electronic travel authorizations — remain suspended for people from the three countries. The restrictions also apply to individuals who have been granted Canadian permanent residency but have not yet entered Canada.

Foreign nationals from other countries who have spent time in the DRC within the previous 21 days are prohibited from boarding flights to Canada or transiting through the country.

Travellers arriving from South Sudan or Uganda are subject to a 21-day quarantine.

Canadian citizens and permanent residents who have visited any of the three affected countries can return to Canada but must also quarantine for 21 days upon arrival.

The extension comes as health authorities in the DRC report that the Ebola outbreak has surpassed 8,000 cases, with more than 3,900 deaths recorded since May.

The country has been working to contain the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, a comparatively rare form of Ebola for which there is currently no known treatment or approved vaccine.

Uganda, meanwhile, declared its outbreak over in late August after 20 cases were recorded. South Sudan has not reported any confirmed cases.

Canada initially introduced the border measures ahead of the FIFA World Cup, which is being co-hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico.

At the time, Canadian officials, including Health Minister Marjorie Michel and Immigration Minister Lena Diab, characterized the restrictions as precautionary measures intended to align Canada's approach with its World Cup co-hosts.

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