Canada has extended temporary travel restrictions on Ugandan citizens, citing ongoing Ebola outbreak concerns in the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighboring regions. The measures, initially announced on September 28, will remain in effect until November 27, 2026, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The policy suspends immigration document processing for residents of countries classified as high or very high risk for Ebola, including Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and South Sudan. Affected individuals, even those with approved visas or permits, are barred from entering Canada during the restrictions, though applications remain under review.
The decision follows Uganda's declaration of ending its 2026 Ebola outbreak on July 28 after 42 consecutive days without new cases. The outbreak, which began on May 15, recorded 20 confirmed cases—15 imported from the DRC and five linked to Ugandan healthcare workers. Eighteen patients recovered, while two died, both Congolese nationals who arrived in Uganda at advanced stages of the disease. Containment efforts included contact tracing, expanded testing, and quarantine protocols. Despite the outbreak's resolution, Uganda has continued advocating for the removal of cross-border travel restrictions, a request that remains unmet as Canada's measures persist.
IRCC emphasized its commitment to monitoring the DRC's Ebola situation and mitigating regional transmission risks. The agency stated that while applications affected by the measures will not be finalized during the restriction period, processing of new and existing cases will continue. This policy applies to individuals whose last country of residence was Uganda, the DRC, or South Sudan at the time of their application. The extension underscores Canada's precautionary approach to public health, even as Uganda asserts its outbreak has been fully controlled.
Uganda's ongoing diplomatic efforts to lift travel restrictions highlight the tension between global health security and economic mobility. The Canadian decision maintains barriers for Ugandan travelers despite the country's successful containment of the 2026 outbreak. As the November 27 deadline approaches, stakeholders will monitor whether the measures align with evolving public health assessments or if further negotiations are required to address Uganda's concerns.