We all missed this kind of news, didn’t we? Canada just introduced a series of new temporary health-related entry rules due to the Ebola outbreak in Africa. This applies to all travelers who have visited the affected countries (including Canadians, of course).
Unsurprisingly, many people overreacted to the recent news about hantavirus on the cruise ship; experts aren’t particularly worried about that one, though. But Ebola is a different story…
There’s obviously no need to panic, but it’s unfortunately something to monitor now. Flytrippers helps you travel for less with our 3 types of content, namely flight deals, travel rewards, and tips/inspiration/news.
Here’s what you need to know about Canada’s new Ebola rules.
What are Canada’s new rules for Ebola?
We remind you that checking the entry rules of countries (including Canada, yes!) is literally the only mandatory step for traveling.
For all trips and all destinations. That simple. Because it can always change.
Here are Canada’s new entry rules related to Ebola:
- Mandatory 21-day quarantine at home
- Good memories, right?
- If you’ve been in one of the affected countries
- In the 21 days before your entry into Canada
- There are currently 3 countries targeted (this can change)
- Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
- Uganda
- South Sudan
- For all travelers (Canadians included)
- This applies to all nationalities
- Starting May 30 at 11:59 PM (Eastern Time)
- Until August 29 (for now)
Overall, these are certainly not the most popular countries, of course. But Kevin, Flytrippers’ other co-founder, coincidentally has a trip to South Sudan and Uganda planned later this year.
So he’ll be following this topic pretty closely. Especially for the logistical risk, like during his recent trip to Jordan during the war in the Middle East.
There are only 7 cases of Ebola in Uganda (out of 53 million residents), which is the most visited country of the 3, mainly for its famous wildlife.
But having to undergo a 21-day quarantine makes travel logistics untenable for the vast majority of travelers, completely regardless of the actual risk level of the disease.
It’s also worth considering that having been in these countries will make travel more complex. The United States had already announced similar restrictions, and other countries will certainly follow suit.
The Carney government also announced other measures that don’t target Canadian travelers:
- Suspension of immigration documents
- For residents of the 3 countries
- Applies to all residents
- Even those who already have their travel authorization (ETA)
- Even those who already have their Canadian resident visa
- Suspension of decisions on immigration applications
- For residents of the same countries
- Starting May 27 at 11:59 PM (Eastern Time)
- For 90 days (for now)
Flytrippers will keep you informed of developments.
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Summary
Canada is imposing new travel rules due to the Ebola outbreak in Africa. Travelers who have visited the 3 affected countries in the 21 days before their entry into Canada will have to undergo a mandatory 21-day quarantine, and there are additional restrictions for residents of those countries.
What would you like to know about Canada’s Ebola travel rules? Tell us in the comments below.
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Featured image: Lake in Uganda (photo credit: Keith Kasaija)
