Canada Extends Ebola Travel Restrictions for 60 Days Amid International Criticism
Canada has extended its travel and immigration restrictions related to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan for another 60 days until November 27. While Canadian officials cite precautionary safety measures aligned with the United States and Mexico, the World Health Organization and European health agencies have criticized the bans as scientifically unfounded.
Canada has extended its travel and immigration restrictions related to the Ebola outbreak for an additional 60 days, with the new expiration date set for Nov. 27. The measures, which were initially announced ahead of the FIFA World Cup, bar entry from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda, and South Sudan.
Since May, people from these three countries have been barred from travelling to Canada. Immigration documents, including valid visas and travel authorizations, remain suspended for individuals from Uganda, South Sudan, and the DRC, leaving tens of thousands in limbo. Additionally, foreign nationals not from the affected countries who have been in the DRC within the last 21 days are prohibited from boarding flights to Canada or transiting through the country.
Travelers arriving from South Sudan and Uganda must undergo a 21-day quarantine upon arrival. This requirement also applies to Canadian citizens or permanent residents who have visited one of the affected nations.
Health Minister Marjorie Michel and Immigration Minister Lena Diab stated that the measures are precautionary safety steps aligned with actions taken by the United States and Mexico. The U.S. government similarly bars individuals who have been in the DRC in the past 21 days from flying to the U.S.
The decision comes amid a severe outbreak in the DRC, where more than 8,000 cases and over 3,900 deaths have been reported since May. The outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo virus, which currently has no known treatment or vaccine. The World Health Organization (WHO) has described this as the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak in history, noting a fatality rate of 48 per cent. Last week, the WHO warned that the DRC was running out of health workers to contain the disease.
In contrast, the outbreak in Uganda was declared over in late August after only 20 people became sick, and South Sudan has not declared any cases of Ebola.
International health bodies have criticized Canada’s approach. The WHO stated that the measures are based on fear rather than science, emphasizing that the risk of transmitting the Ebola virus during air travel is low because the virus is not airborne. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control also noted that the risk of importing the virus remains very low. Unlike Canada, the European Union has not restricted travel from the affected countries.
Humanitarian workers from Canada report that their efforts are being hampered by the restrictions, raising concerns that the international response to the outbreak may be negatively impacted.