The Canadian government has extended its travel restrictions on citizens of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan for another 60 days amid rising cases of Ebola virus disease in the three countries.

In a statement by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), individuals from the three countries would not be able to board flights to Canada until at least November 27 despite having valid Canadian visas.

“Canada remains deeply concerned about the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the evolving risk of Ebola disease in neighbouring countries, including Uganda and South Sudan.

“To continue preventing the spread of Ebola in Canada, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has extended its temporary immigration measures for 60 days, until November 27, 2026,” the immigration agency said.

Canada first introduced travel restrictions on the three countries in May following a new wave of Ebola outbreak particularly in DR Congo. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reported that, as of September 26, a total of 8,067 confirmed Ebola cases, including 3,901 related deaths, had been recorded in the DR Congo alone. 

It was gathered that no new cases was detected in Uganda or South Sudan, although their proximity to the DR Congo places them among the countries considered at high risk of transmission.

Under the travel measure, the immigration documents of travellers from DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan are put on hold until the restriction is lifted. The restriction also extends to individuals whose last country of residence was one of the three affected nations at the time of their visa application.

“Immigration documents remain suspended for residents of countries with a high or very high risk of Ebola disease outbreak. This includes the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan. 

“People whose last country of residence at the time of their application was one of these countries listed cannot travel to Canada at this time. This applies even if they have a previously approved visa, permit or electronic travel authorisation,” the IRCC stated.

Meanwhile, the agency assured that it would continue to process new and existing applications from the three countries but would not make a final decision until the travel restriction was lifted.