Canada Implements Border Controls to Prevent Ebola
Pilgrims advised to reduce activities outside Arafah tents.
Pilgrims advised to reduce activities outside Arafah tents.
The Canadian government announced a series of temporary border measures on Tuesday (26 May) to reduce the risk of Ebola entering and spreading in Canada.
According to a statement from Canada’s Public Health Agency, in response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and rising transmission risks in Uganda and South Sudan, Canada will suspend immigration documents for citizens of these countries for 90 days, effective from Wednesday (27 May) at 23:59 Eastern Time.
Individuals from the three countries who had previously received temporary resident visas, electronic travel authorisations, or permanent resident visas will be barred from travelling to Canada, the statement said. New applications from citizens of these nations will also be temporarily suspended.
Under an additional measure effective from 30 May at 23:59 Eastern Time until 29 August, Canada will enforce a mandatory 21-day quarantine for Canadian citizens, permanent residents, registered Indians under the Indian Act, and foreign nationals who have visited affected areas within the past 21 days and show no symptoms. Those displaying symptoms will be isolated in hospitals for further assessment under the Quarantine Act.
While stressing that the risk to Canadians remains low and there are currently no reported Ebola cases in North America, the government said it is adopting a precautionary approach considering the severity of the disease and evolving international situation, including the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Mexico has so far registered no Ebola cases, with the risk of spread remaining very low, it added.
Scientists at Oxford University in the UK are developing a new vaccine for the current Ebola outbreak in the DRC, which is expected to enter clinical trials soon.
The declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) is seen as a serious signal of the risk of cross-border spread if the outbreak is not swiftly controlled.
Oxford University is developing the Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine using ChAdOx1 technology, with human trials expected within two to three months to address the outbreak in the DRC.
The Democratic Republic of Congo national team has confirmed it will not alter its preparations for the 2026 World Cup despite squad members being required to isolate due to Ebola.
Australia has temporarily banned Iranian citizens from visiting due to rising tensions from the conflict involving the United States and Israel.
The Australian government has officially banned Iranian passport holders from entering for tourism and work purposes, citing the risk of a surge in asylum applications due to the conflict.
Regarding fees, a 30-day tourist visa costs AED200 (approximately £43), while a 60-day visa costs AED300 (approximately £64).
FIFA PASS has been officially introduced to simplify US visa applications for 2026 World Cup ticket holders.
Donald Trump’s visa tightening threatens fan traffic in Miami as a 2026 World Cup host city.