Canada will temporarily prohibit most foreign nationals who have recently travelled to the Democratic Republic of the Congo from entering the country as the federal government strengthens border measures in response to an Ebola outbreak.

The new restrictions take effect at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Monday, July 20.

Under the temporary measures, foreign nationals who have been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo within the previous 21 days will not be permitted to enter Canada.

The government has also issued an interim order under the Aeronautics Act requiring commercial and private air carriers to refuse boarding to affected foreign nationals travelling to Canada.

Canadians still permitted to return

The new restrictions do not apply to Canadian citizens, permanent residents or people registered under the Indian Act.

Those travellers, along with others already exempt under existing rules, will continue to be allowed to return to Canada if they have recently been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda or South Sudan.

However, they will continue to undergo a health assessment upon arrival and will be required to quarantine for 21 days.

The Public Health Agency of Canada said those requirements remain in place until Aug. 29 under temporary measures introduced through the Quarantine Act on May 30.

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Health risk to Canadians remains low

The agency said the additional border restrictions are being implemented out of an abundance of caution and described the current health risk to Canadians as low.

It said no travel-related Ebola cases have been reported in Canada.

The government said limiting entry by foreign nationals who have recently been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is intended to reduce public health risks while helping border officials safely process travellers entering the country, including returning humanitarian workers.

Travel advisory remains in effect

The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to advise Canadians planning international travel to consult federal travel advisories before departing.

A Level 2 travel health notice for Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been in place since May 19, while travellers to Uganda are advised to monitor outbreak information through Canada’s travel advisory system.