Latest News from Canada: Wildfires in Ontario and New Entry Restrictions Due to Ebola Risk

Extensive wildfires are currently burning across large parts of the Canadian province of Ontario. The smoke has now reached the Greater Toronto Area, causing a significant deterioration in air quality there. Travelers planning a trip to Ontario or who are already there should stay informed about the current wildfire situation, possible road closures, and evacuation orders. Weather conditions and local air quality can also change at short notice and affect travel itineraries and flight schedules.

Anyone traveling to Ontario in the coming weeks should monitor local media and weather services and plan their itinerary flexibly. Short-notice restrictions on travel are possible at any time in the affected regions, and individual road sections or national parks may be temporarily closed. It is essential to follow local bans, signs, and warnings, as well as instructions from emergency responders, to avoid travel disruptions and safety risks.

Sports enthusiasts should also note that Canada, along with Mexico and the U.S., will host the FIFA World Cup from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Anyone planning to visit for this event should clarify entry requirements well in advance, as increased travel volume and correspondingly higher volume at border control checkpoints are expected around the match dates. For short tourist stays, the ETA for Canada is sufficient in many cases, and we can easily apply for it on behalf of travelers.

Of greater significance is an entry restriction that has been in effect since May 28, 2026: For individuals residing in countries with a high or very high risk of an Ebola outbreak—currently the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan—entry permits to Canada are suspended for a period of 90 days. This regulation explicitly applies to travelers who already have an approved visa or a valid eTA: They, too, are temporarily barred from entering Canada during this period.

In addition, effective May 30, 2026, a mandatory self-isolation requirement applies to individuals who have been in the aforementioned high-risk areas within the 21 days prior to their entry into Canada but are not showing any symptoms. These travelers must self-isolate for 21 days after entry. Anyone planning a scheduled trip to Canada who has recently been in or resides in one of the affected countries is advised to carefully review their travel plans before applying for a visa.

For travelers planning a longer stay in Canada—for example, for tourism, business, or to visit relatives—a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) may be required instead of an ETA. As part of the application process, we review each case individually to determine which requirements apply and whether current entry restrictions could affect your planned travel dates. This helps avoid unpleasant surprises right before your trip.

Given the current situation—both regarding the wildfires and the temporary entry restrictions—it’s worth checking the current costs and processing times for Canadian visas to ensure your travel plans are realistic and allow for sufficient time.