Canada has sealed its borders to foreign nationals who have recently visited Nigeria in the past 21 days, but that's not the case. The restriction actually applies to those who have visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in the same timeframe.
The Canadian government has announced that under an interim order issued through the Aeronautics Act, commercial and private air carriers are now legally obligated to deny boarding to any foreign national who has been in the DRC within the preceding 21 days. This restriction is set to remain in place until August 29, 2026.
Canada's Travel Ban Takes Effect
The federal government announced the measures on July 19, with the restrictions taking effect at 11:59 p.m. EDT on July 20. This move has placed a considerable compliance burden on airlines, who must now screen the travel history of every passenger bound for Canada. The process risks delays and denied boardings on affected routes, particularly for those traveling from the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan.
Around 350 people travel weekly from these countries to Canada, with approximately 60% holding Canadian citizenship or permanent residency. The remaining 40%, those potentially barred under the new rules, represent a meaningful revenue loss for carriers operating African routes.
Economic Consequences of the Outbreak
The DRC's role as the world's top cobalt producer and second-largest copper supplier means the economic consequences of the outbreak reach well beyond public health. The country also holds substantial deposits of germanium, lithium, and tantalum, all vital to the global energy transition. A US-backed critical minerals partnership intended to counter China's growing influence over Congolese mineral resources has been disrupted, with a Washington meeting originally planned for June postponed due to travel restrictions and health concerns.
One US-backed mining company reported that while its existing operations in the DRC remain functional, disruptions to supplier and consultant travel are creating logistical complications and threatening project timelines. Canada has issued a Level 3 travel health notice for Ebola disease in the DRC and a Level 2 travel health notice for Uganda. Travellers planning international trips are advised to consult the government's Travel Advice and Advisories page before departure.
Travel Ban Raises Questions
In a related development, at least 175 travellers who visited Canada for the FIFA 2026 World Cup have applied for asylum. Out of this number, 15 are Kenyan nationals, and Ghana accounted for at least 25 asylum claims. The new protocols have raised questions about the compliance burden on airlines and the economic consequences of the outbreak on the DRC and its mineral resources.
The restriction does not apply to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or persons registered under the Indian Act. Those individuals, even if they have been in the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan within the past 21 days, retain the right to return to Canada. Upon arrival, however, they will undergo a health assessment and are required to observe a 21-day quarantine. The requirement, along with all other provisions from the original Order in Council, remains in place until August 29, 2026.
Source: Tuko
