The federal government has renewed temporary public health measures to reduce the risk of Ebola disease entering and spreading in Canada. The Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to Ebola Disease in Canada Order, 2026, No. 3 was made under section 58 of the Quarantine Act through Order in Council P.C. 2026-873 on September 25, 2026. The Order continues restrictions on certain foreign nationals and establishes screening, quarantine, isolation and monitoring requirements for travellers arriving from countries considered at high risk of an Ebola outbreak.

The Order responds to the ongoing Bundibugyo virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). As of September 13, 2026, the World Health Organization had reported 7,258 confirmed cases and 3,510 deaths. Although the Public Health Agency of Canada assesses the overall risk to the Canadian population as low, international travel creates opportunities for infected individuals to cross borders before symptoms develop.

Foreign nationals who have been in the DRC during the 21 days before their intended entry into Canada are prohibited from entering, subject to specified exemptions. Exceptions include certain airline and other crew members, accredited foreign representatives, eligible family members, participants in qualifying international meetings, visiting military personnel, individuals providing essential medical services and equipment, and registered Indians under the Indian Act. The Minister of Health may also authorize entry where it would not pose a significant public health risk and would serve the national interest.

The entry prohibition does not apply to Canadian citizens, permanent residents or other individuals with an applicable right of entry. However, travellers who have been in the DRC, Uganda, South Sudan or another country assessed by the Minister as presenting a high or very high Ebola outbreak risk during the preceding 21 days must disclose their travel history upon arrival and undergo a health assessment.

Travellers assessed as asymptomatic must provide a suitable quarantine plan and quarantine for 21 days from their arrival. The plan must identify their accommodation and contact information and demonstrate that they can avoid contact with people outside their travel group, obtain necessities without leaving the premises and follow quarantine officers’ instructions. Individuals unable to provide an acceptable plan must quarantine at a designated facility.

Non-compliance constitutes an offence under the Quarantine Act, potentially attracting fines of up to $1 million, imprisonment for up to three years, or both. The measures prioritize early detection and targeted border controls while allowing the Minister to reassess country-specific risks as conditions evolve.

Canada (873/2026) October 7, 2026
Disclaimer: Insights are for informational purposes only and does not reflect RRI’s official position or constitute legal opinion.