BREAKING: Canada to suspend immigration documents for residents of Uganda,…
Canada will suspend immigration documents for residents of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan starting May 27 at 11:59 p.m. EDT, as reported by CIC News. The Public Health Agency of Canada announced the measure Tuesday, citing "high or very high risk of outbreak of Ebola disease" in those countries. The suspension will remain in effect for 90 days.
This marks an unusually broad border closure tied to public health concerns. Unlike previous travel restrictions that targeted unvaccinated travelers or specific visa categories, this measure suspends all immigration documents — including those already approved — for residents of the three named countries. The government explicitly linked the timing to the FIFA World Cup 2026, with Canada hosting 13 matches in Toronto and Vancouver between June 11 and July 19.
Residents of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan who hold valid temporary resident visas, permanent resident visas, or electronic travel authorizations will not be permitted to travel to Canada while the suspension is active. Canada will also pause processing new applications for immigration documents from residents of these countries during the 90-day period. The suspension may expand to include other countries if Ebola outbreak risk escalates elsewhere. Those already in Canada remain unaffected and may stay for their authorized period.
"The measures we plan to introduce are necessary to protect Canadians and reinforce the integrity of our border against this threat to public health," said Lena Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
The suspension affects approved visa holders who had planned travel to Canada, including temporary workers, international students starting fall programs, and permanent residents who have not yet landed. Family reunification cases involving spouses or dependent children of Canadian citizens or permanent residents are also caught in the pause. Visitors planning to attend World Cup matches in Toronto or Vancouver will be unable to enter if they are residents of the three countries, regardless of their visa status.
Affected applicants should monitor Canada's travel advisories page for updates on when the suspension may lift or expand to additional countries. Those with urgent travel needs tied to humanitarian grounds or Canadian family emergencies have no stated exemption pathway under the current announcement, though IRCC has not ruled out case-by-case considerations as the 90-day period unfolds.
Source: CIC News — published 2026-05-27.