Global Affairs Canada updated its Travel Advice and Advisories pages on July 22 to reflect new Ebola border measures that took effect on July 20. Foreign nationals who have been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) within the previous 21 days are barred from boarding flights to Canada, while travellers from Uganda and South Sudan face enhanced screening on arrival. Canadian citizens and permanent residents may enter but must follow strict monitoring and report to public-health authorities daily for 21 days. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) cites an escalating outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain in eastern DRC, with cross-border transmission to Uganda. Although the risk to Canadians is assessed as low, officials stress that the measures are precautionary, especially given the large influx of visitors during the FIFA World Cup earlier this summer. Airlines operating routes through Addis Ababa and Istanbul have begun issuing boarding-denial notices, and corporate travel departments should update automated booking systems to flag affected itineraries. Travellers who transited the DRC even briefly must count the layover toward the 21-day period. Employers with operations in mining, NGO and academic sectors—which frequently rotate staff through Central Africa—should review medical evacuation plans and ensure employees have access to immediate tele-health support if symptoms develop. PHAC will reassess the order on August 29. Failure to comply with quarantine instructions can result in fines up to CAD 750,000 or imprisonment under the Quarantine Act.
