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Canada Ebola 2026 travel rules and exemptions
These rules apply to travelers to Canada affected by Ebola public health measures in 2026.
MIGRAGENT wrote this from 14 requirements on the official page, each checked against the government's own wording. Updated 2026-10-02. Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/special-measures/ebola-2026.html
Who is affected by these measures
Foreign nationals who visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo within the past 21 days cannot travel to Canada as of July 20, 2026.[1]
If you are a foreign national who has been in South Sudan or Uganda within the last 21 days, you must have a valid temporary resident visa or electronic travel authorization. You must also have a valid travel document to return to Canada.[2]
You must contact IRCC to request an exemption if you are in Canada and were notified that you are affected. You must also contact IRCC to request an exemption if you are a citizen of an affected country who does not live there but was notified that you are affected.[3][4]
How to request an exemption
To request an exemption, you must use the crisis web form. When you fill out the form, you must select the option 'I need help with something else.'[5][6]
You must explain and provide evidence as to why you should be exempt. You must show that you are not a risk to public health. You must include any relevant information and supporting documents to support your request.[7][8][9]
Passports and contact details
If you are affected by these measures, you must not send your passport to a visa application centre until the measures have ended.[10]
If your travel document will expire soon, you must apply for another document if you want to travel to Canada in the future.[11]
If your email address has changed, you must contact IRCC to update it.[12]
Arriving in Canada
When you return to Canada from an affected area, you must undergo a medical screening. You must also follow all public health measures.[13][14]
Checklist
- Do not send your passport to a visa application centre if you are affected by these measures.[10]
- Apply for a new travel document if your current one is expiring soon.[11]
- Undergo a medical screening when you return to Canada from an affected area.[13]
Questions people ask
Can I travel to Canada if I visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
No. If you are a foreign national who visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo within the past 21 days, you cannot travel to Canada as of July 20, 2026.[1]
What do I need to return to Canada from South Sudan or Uganda?
If you are a foreign national who has been in South Sudan or Uganda within the last 21 days, you must have a valid temporary resident visa or electronic travel authorization. You must also have a valid travel document.[2]
How do I request an exemption from these measures?
You must use the crisis web form to request an exemption. When filling out the form, you must select the option 'I need help with something else.'[5][6]
What must I provide when requesting an exemption?
You must explain and provide evidence as to why you should be exempt. You must show that you are not a risk to public health. You must also include any relevant information and supporting documents.[7][8][9]
Should I send my passport to a visa application centre?
If you are affected by these measures, you must not send your passport to a visa application centre until the measures have ended.[10]
What happens when I arrive in Canada from an affected area?
You must undergo a medical screening. You must also follow all public health measures.[13][14]
This explains what one official page says. It is not legal advice, and the page itself is the authority. Rules change; the wire reports it when they do.