Key points
- Canada suspended travel and immigration documents for residents of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan from May 27, 2026, for 90 days.
- Previously approved temporary resident visas, permanent resident visas and electronic travel authorizations from those regions are now invalid.
- The freeze applies only to new entrants; people already in Canada keep their legal status.
- It is the first major use of Bill C-12 powers, which took effect on March 26, 2026.
Canada pauses documents for three African nations
Canada has suspended travel and immigration documents for residents of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, effective May 27, 2026 and running for 90 days. The government cited a high risk of Ebola transmission.
The measure invalidates previously approved paperwork — including temporary resident visas, permanent resident visas and electronic travel authorizations — and pauses pending applications from these regions. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has halted decisions on active applications for the duration of the freeze.
Crucially, the suspension applies only to new entrants. People from the affected countries who are already in Canada keep their legal status.
Screening for returning residents
Canadian citizens, permanent residents and individuals registered under the Indian Act who return from the affected regions within 21 days face mandatory screening and quarantine protocols. Asymptomatic travelers must present an isolation plan or use a government-approved facility, while anyone showing symptoms is directed straight to medical care.
Immigration Minister Lena Diab framed the step as a border-integrity and public-health measure:
“The measures we plan to introduce are necessary to protect Canadians and reinforce the integrity of our border against this threat to public health.”
First use of Bill C-12 powers
This is the first major deployment of executive powers under Bill C-12, which took effect on March 26, 2026. The law gives the Governor in Council authority to suspend or cancel travel approvals on public-health, safety and national-security grounds.
The timing is notable: the freeze overlaps with FIFA World Cup 2026, for which Canada hosts 13 matches in Toronto and Vancouver between June 11 and July 19, drawing large numbers of international visitors.
Travelers can follow official guidance through the Public Health Agency of Canada. For an overview of Canada’s travel-document options, see the Canada visa hub. This is a developing policy story; entry rules can change on short notice, so confirm your status through official channels before booking.
