The Canadian government is suspending more than 24,000 travel documents as part of emergency measures to prevent the spread of Ebola from central Africa. The 90-day suspension targets residents of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan, effective May 27, 2026.
Officials say 12,600 residents of the DRC, 11,500 from Uganda, and 470 from South Sudan are affected. The measures apply only to current residents of those countries, not nationals living elsewhere.
Suspended documents include electronic travel authorizations, temporary and permanent resident visas. The government will continue processing passports, permanent resident cards, and visa extensions for those already in Canada.
All travelers arriving from Ebola-affected regions must complete a 21-day quarantine, a rule set to expire August 29. Officials cite increased travel for the FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, the U.S., and Mexico, as a key concern.
This is the first use of new powers under Bill C-12, allowing mass document modifications deemed in the public interest. Critics warn the broad "public interest" definition could be open to abuse.