Canada Enforces Travel Ban from Congo Amid Ebola Outbreak

Canada will deny entry to foreign nationals who have been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) within the past 21 days as part of new temporary border measures to combat the spread of Ebola. These measures take effect on July 20 at 11:59 p.m.

ET and will last until August 29, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada. The agency stated that limiting entry may reduce public health risks for Canadians, although the risk of Ebola for Canadians remains low, with no travel-related cases reported.

The travel health notice for Congo is currently at orange (Level 3 out of 4), advising against non-essential travel. This ban contradicts the World Health Organization's advice, which warns that travel restrictions can create stigma and complicate epidemic control.

Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and those registered under the Indian Act who have been in Congo within the last 21 days can still travel to Canada but will undergo a health assessment and must quarantine for 21 days upon arrival. The outbreak has resulted in 2,011 confirmed cases and 754 deaths in Congo.