Global Ebola Travel Restrictions Expand: Canada Extends Border Measures, Middle East Bans Entry, India Launches Health Portal
Updated: 12 hours ago
GENEVA/OTTAWA, September 29, 2026 — A growing number of countries are imposing Ebola-related entry restrictions as the Bundibugyo virus outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to spread, with global health authorities warning that the outbreak’s “true scale has not yet been fully established”.
On 17 May 2026, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. There are no approved vaccines or treatments for the Bundibugyo strain, and treatment centers in Ituri province are reported to be “at saturation point”.
Canada: Border Measures Extended Through September 28
The Government of Canada extended its temporary border measures for another 30 days on August 28, 2026, keeping them in place until September 28, 2026.
Current Measures Under the Quarantine Act
Measure | Detail |
Foreign National Entry Ban | Foreign nationals who have been in the DRC within the past 21 days are prohibited from entering Canada |
Air Carrier Obligation | Commercial and private air carriers must deny boarding to affected foreign nationals |
Immigration Document Suspension | Approved visas, eTAs, and permanent resident visas held by residents of DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan are suspended |
Application Processing | New and existing applications continue to be processed but will not be finalized while measures are in place |
Quarantine Requirement | Symptom-free travellers who have been in affected areas must quarantine for 21 days; symptomatic travellers are isolated at a hospital |
Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and persons registered under the Indian Act may still return to Canada but must undergo screening and quarantine requirements. The Public Health Agency of Canada has stated there are no cases of Ebola in Canada and the risk to Canadians remains low.
United States: Entry Restrictions and Designated Airports
The CDC issued an order effective May 18, 2026, temporarily prohibiting certain non-U.S. citizens who were in the DRC, South Sudan, or Uganda within the past 21 days from entering the United States.
A subsequent interim final rule extended the restriction to lawful permanent residents (green card holders) who have been in those countries within the past 21 days.
Designated Arrival Airports for Permitted Travellers
U.S. citizens and nationals arriving from affected countries must enter through designated airports for enhanced screening:
Airport | Effective Date |
Washington-Dulles International (IAD) | May 20, 2026 |
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL) | May 22, 2026 |
George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) | May 26, 2026 |
Travellers without symptoms continue to their final destination after screening; those with symptoms are transferred to a hospital for evaluation and isolation.
Middle East: Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar
Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Press Agency reported on June 25, 2026 that the Kingdom suspended travel by Saudi citizens to the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan, and suspended the issuance of all visa categories and entry for travellers arriving from these countries — including those arriving via third countries who stayed in affected areas within the previous 21 days.
The Saudi Public Health Authority (Weqaya) stated that no confirmed or suspected cases have been recorded since the measures were implemented.
Bahrain
Bahrain’s Civil Aviation Affairs issued a pandemic advisory notice on May 19, 2026, directing that non-Bahraini passengers who have been in the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan — including within the past 30 days — will not be accepted for entry via Bahrain International Airport. Bahraini citizens are exempt but must declare travel history and undergo quarantine.
Kuwait
Kuwait’s Ministry of Health confirmed on May 21, 2026, that preventive measures at border crossings were intensified, including thermal screening systems, despite no cases recorded in the country. The ministry urged the public to avoid travel to Uganda, South Sudan, and the DRC.
Qatar
Qatar has implemented entry restrictions for travellers arriving from or who have been in the DRC, South Sudan, or Uganda within the past 21 days, with exemptions for Qatari nationals and residents.
India: AIR SUVIDHA 2.0 Portal Mandatory for Arrivals
India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation and Delhi International Airport Limited launched AIR SUVIDHA 2.0 on June 25, 2026, an upgraded contactless Passenger Health Self-Declaration Portal.
International arriving passengers must submit a mandatory online Health Self-Declaration covering 21-day travel history, exposure history, and related symptoms prior to immigration clearance. The form can be completed 24 hours before arrival, and passengers receive a registration number and confirmation email to present at the airport health desk.
The portal enables real-time data sharing with Airport Health Officers, the Bureau of Immigration, and State Surveillance Officers.
Portal access: https://airsuvidha.civilaviation.gov.in/
Bahamas: Entry Restrictions for Affected Travellers
The Bahamas announced a temporary travel ban on May 27, 2026, denying entry to travellers from the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan, effective immediately for 30 days. Bahamian nationals who have been in affected countries are subject to enhanced screening and possible quarantine, and must enter through Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau.
The advisory followed a health scare involving two passengers who arrived from the DRC via Ethiopia and were placed in isolation after presenting with low-grade fever.
Quick Reference Summary
Country | Core Restriction | Effective Status |
Canada | DRC entry ban; immigration documents suspended | Extended to Sept 28 |
United States | Non-citizens and LPRs from affected areas barred; designated airports | Effective May 18 |
Saudi Arabia | All visa issuance suspended; entry ban | Effective June 25 |
Bahrain | Non-Bahraini entry ban (30-day lookback) | Effective May 19 |
Kuwait | Enhanced screening; travel advisory | Effective May 21 |
Qatar | Entry restrictions for affected travellers | In effect |
India | Mandatory AIR SUVIDHA 2.0 declaration | Effective June 25 |
Bahamas | Entry ban for affected travellers | Effective May 27 |
Official Resources
Resource | Link |
WHO Ebola Outbreak Updates | |
Canada – Ebola Border Measures | |
Canada – Quarantine Act Measures | |
US CDC – Returning Traveler Guidance | |
India – AIR SUVIDHA 2.0 | |
Saudi Press Agency | |
Bahrain Civil Aviation Advisory |
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