Saudi Arabia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan Hit by New Ebola Travel Ban as Visa Crackdown Begins

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June 26, 2026 00:14 GMT+5:30

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Saudi Arabia has announced a series of strengthened public health measures by suspending travel for its citizens to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan while also halting the issuance of visas and entry for travellers arriving from these three countries. The decision has been introduced as part of Ebola virus prevention efforts aimed at reducing the risk of cross-border transmission and safeguarding public health within the kingdom.

The latest restrictions have been implemented as a precautionary response to the evolving Ebola situation in parts of Africa. Authorities have indicated that the measures form part of a broader national strategy focused on disease surveillance, border health security and rapid epidemic response. By tightening travel regulations and strengthening monitoring systems, Saudi Arabia has sought to minimise the possibility of imported infections while maintaining a stable public health environment.

Who Is Affected by the New Travel Restrictions?

The newly announced measures apply directly to Saudi citizens, who have been prohibited from travelling to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan until further notice. In addition, visas will no longer be issued to travellers from these three countries, and entry into the kingdom has also been suspended for eligible arrivals.

The restrictions have not been limited solely to direct arrivals. Travellers entering Saudi Arabia through third countries will also be subject to the same rules if they have stayed in any of the three affected nations during the 21 days preceding their planned arrival in the kingdom.

This additional requirement has been introduced to strengthen border controls by ensuring that recent travel history is taken into account, regardless of the route used to reach Saudi Arabia. The approach has reflected internationally recognised public health practices for managing diseases with defined incubation periods.

Why Has Saudi Arabia Introduced These Measures?

The decision has been taken as a preventive response to concerns surrounding the spread of the Ebola virus. The virus is known for causing severe illness and has historically prompted strict international public health measures whenever outbreaks have occurred.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the restrictions have been adopted to reduce the likelihood of imported cases and to protect the country’s population through early intervention rather than reactive measures. Health authorities have emphasised that maintaining strong border health controls remains an essential component of national disease prevention efforts.

The preventive strategy has been designed to reduce potential exposure while allowing health agencies to continue monitoring developments as the epidemiological situation changes.

Continuous Health Surveillance Remains in Place

The Public Health Authority, Weqaya, has confirmed that Saudi Arabia’s health surveillance and epidemic response system continues to operate around the clock. Coordination has been maintained with both domestic and international health authorities to strengthen preparedness against infectious diseases and minimise the risk of cross-border transmission.

Public health monitoring has remained active across multiple levels of the healthcare system, allowing authorities to assess emerging developments continuously while responding rapidly whenever necessary.

The surveillance framework has been supported through cooperation with international partners, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to global public health coordination and disease prevention.

Additional Precautionary Measures Expanded to Neighbouring Countries

Alongside restrictions affecting the three countries under the strictest measures, Saudi Arabia has also strengthened health precautions for travellers arriving from neighbouring countries that have been affected by the broader regional outbreak.

These countries include Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania and the Republic of Congo.

Rather than imposing identical travel restrictions, authorities have increased health screening procedures at ports of entry for travellers arriving from these neighbouring nations. Enhanced disease surveillance measures have also been introduced alongside strengthened early response protocols to ensure any potential health risks can be identified and managed quickly.

The expanded screening programme reflects a layered public health approach that balances travel continuity with increased disease monitoring.

Kingdom Reports No Ebola Cases

Weqaya has stated that the overall public health situation within Saudi Arabia remains stable despite the regional outbreak.

Authorities have confirmed that no suspected or confirmed Ebola cases have been recorded in the kingdom since the preventive measures were introduced. This outcome has been attributed to continuous surveillance, early detection systems and strengthened border health controls that have remained active throughout the response period.

The absence of confirmed infections has provided reassurance that existing preventive strategies have been effective in protecting public health while allowing authorities to remain vigilant against changing circumstances.

Monitoring Will Continue as the Situation Evolves

Health officials have indicated that epidemiological developments across the region and internationally will continue to be monitored continuously.

Weqaya has stated that recommendations and public health guidance will be updated whenever necessary as new information becomes available regarding the Ebola outbreak. Preparedness measures will remain in place, with authorities committed to maintaining all appropriate health protections to safeguard residents and visitors alike.

The authority has stressed that disease prevention remains an ongoing process requiring constant assessment, timely decision-making and close coordination with global health organisations.

As the regional situation develops, Saudi Arabia has indicated that its preventive measures will continue to be reviewed to ensure they remain aligned with evolving public health risks while protecting the kingdom from the cross-border spread of infectious diseases.