Ebola Entry Rules Now Affect Flights to Canada and the US: What Agency Travelers Should Check

Canada bars foreign nationals who have been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo within 21 days, and its measures also cover Uganda and South Sudan, running until November 27, 2026 according to Air Canada. The United States requires every air passenger flying from abroad to attest at check-in that they have not been in the DRC in the past 21 days, a rule that began November 3 and runs through December 18, 2026. Confirm eligibility before leaving home, as these rules can change at short notice.

What Canada's entry restriction covers

Quick facts: Uganda, South Sudan and the DRC are covered, and the measures run until November 27, 2026.

The Government of Canada's Ebola border measures page lists all three countries. It says foreign nationals who were in those countries within 21 days are prohibited from entering or boarding a flight to Canada, or transiting, even if they hold an approved visa, PR visa or eTA. The page was last modified November 4, 2026, and it gives the end time as 11:59 p.m. EDT in one place and EST in another, so treat November 27 as the working date and check again before you travel.

Who can still travel: citizens and permanent residents

Quick facts: Citizens, permanent residents and Indian Act registrants may enter but must quarantine for 21 days.

Citizens, permanent residents and Indian Act registrants who were in the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan within 21 days are not barred, but they must quarantine for 21 days. Air Canada's travel update adds that some travelers must obtain an exemption letter before flying and show it to the airline before boarding.

The new US health declaration

Quick facts: From November 3, 2026, every air passenger flying from a foreign country must attest they have not been in the DRC within 21 days.

Air Canada says the check-in attestation also covers connecting passengers. Passengers who do not attest, or who have been in the DRC, will be denied boarding. The requirement runs through December 18, 2026, while separate US measures for Uganda and South Sudan have no specified end date. Travel Market Report's coverage reports the November 3 start. We did not verify the exact wording of the CDC form, so read it carefully at check-in.

What this means for travelers who book through an agency

Quick facts: Denied boarding is the main risk, and none of the sources reviewed set out refund or rebooking terms for it.

When an airline refuses boarding, the outcome depends on that airline's own conditions and the fare type. An agent's most useful work happens before departure: confirming travel history, checking whether an exemption letter applies, and reminding the client to complete the US attestation. An entry rule controls who may board, so an airline may not be able to help a passenger who does not meet it. Our guide on what a travel agent does when a flight is cancelled explains the steps that do apply after a disruption. Liberty Immigration's breakdown of the Canadian order summarizes the same dates.

Checks to complete before you travel

Quick facts: Confirm travel history, exemption status, the US attestation and current end dates.

Start with recent travel history, which decides most outcomes under both sets of rules. Ask whether the itinerary needs an exemption letter, and recheck the government pages on the day of booking and again before departure. Latin Times reports on the US attestation for international travelers and its screening requirement. For wider document deadlines, our passport timing checklist is a useful companion.

People also ask

Can I fly to Canada if I was recently in the DRC?

Under current measures, foreign nationals who were in the Democratic Republic of the Congo within 21 days are prohibited from boarding a flight to Canada, even with a valid visa or eTA. Canadian citizens and permanent residents may enter but must quarantine for 21 days. Check the government border measures page before booking.

Does the US attestation apply to connecting passengers?

According to Air Canada's description, yes. The attestation covers passengers flying from a foreign country to the United States, including those connecting through the US. Passengers who do not complete it, or who have been in the DRC in the past 21 days, will be denied boarding. The requirement runs through December 18, 2026.

Will I get a refund if I am denied boarding?

The sources reviewed do not set out refund or rebooking terms for passengers denied boarding under these entry rules. Refund rights depend on the airline's conditions and your fare type. Contact your agency or airline as soon as you learn you are affected, and keep written records of what you were told.

Do the rules apply to Uganda and South Sudan nationals too?

Canada's page lists Uganda and South Sudan among the affected countries, but its wording on whether their nationals are barred is unclear. The US measures for those two countries have no specified end date. Confirm your status with the airline before departure, and ask your agency to note the answer in writing.

Facts checked against current sources as of November 12, 2026; confirm before booking, traveling or deciding.