Canada to suspend immigration documents for residents of Uganda, South Sudan, and the DR Congo

Canada will suspend immigration documents for residents of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan starting May 27, 11.59 p.m. EDT.

Residents of these countries will not be allowed to travel to Canada, even if they hold a temporary resident visa or permanent resident visa, or an electronic travel authorization (eTA).

These temporary border measures are to be in place for the next 90 days.

The Public Health Agency of Canada made the announcement on Tuesday via a news release, citing the “high or very high risk of outbreak of Ebola disease” as the reason.

While the suspension is only in effect for three countries at the moment, it may include any other countries that have a risk of outbreak of the Ebola disease in the future.

Who is impacted?

The suspension applies broadly to previously approved immigration documents, meaning residents of these three countries who already hold a valid temporary resident visa (TRV), electronic travel authorization (eTA), or permanent resident (PR) visa will not be permitted to travel to Canada while their documents remain suspended.

During the 90-day period, Canada will also pause making decisions on applications for documents from residents of these countries.

Those who are already in Canada will remain unaffected by these measures and may continue to stay in Canada during their authorized period of stay.

Why is Canada implementing these measures now?

The government has framed these measures as precautionary, citing the severity of Ebola and the rapidly evolving international outbreak.

The news release explicitly noted the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026. Canada is hosting 13 matches in Toronto and Vancouver between June 11 and July 19. The tournament is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of international visitors, raising the stakes for health screening and border integrity.

"The measures we plan to introduce are necessary to protect Canadians and reinforce the integrity of our border against this threat to public health," said Lena Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. "We will continue to take proactive and decisive action in response to the emerging Ebola outbreak."

Those who are impacted are encouraged to monitor Canada's travel advisories page for updates.

Is this Canada's first use of its new Bill C-12 immigration powers?

This mass suspension of documents is among the first major uses of executive powers implemented through Canada's latest major immigration bill, C-12, which took effect on March 26, 2026.

The bill provides the Governor in Council with broad executive powers over immigration applications, immigration documents, and temporary residents, including the ability to suspend, cancel, or vary immigration documents such as work permits, study permits, temporary resident visas, and permanent resident visas.

The Governor in Council is able to exercise these powers in situations deemed to be in the public interest, which the bill defines as matters pertaining to "administrative errors, fraud, public health, public safety or national security."

Upcoming quarantine for all travellers returning to Canada

Beginning on May 30, all travellers returning to Canada after having visited affected regions within the past 21 days, including Canadian citizens and permanent residents, will need to adhere to quarantine measures upon their return.

Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be able to return to Canada and will undergo screening at ports of entry upon arrival.