Saudi Arabia suspends travel to Kenya, bans visas and entry over Ebola concerns

Saudi Arabia has taken stringent steps to curb the potential spread of Ebola by halting travel by citizens to Kenya and banning entry of travelers from the country. This decision comes after an assessment of the epidemiological situation by the Kingdom's health authorities. The restrictions also extend to those arriving from Kenya or other Ebola-affected nations within 21 days prior to their arrival in Saudi Arabia.

These measures are an extension of preventive actions introduced in 2019 and intensified in May 2026, aimed at travelers coming from regions facing risks related to Ebola outbreaks. Saudi officials explained that these moves are a proactive strategy involving ongoing health risk monitoring and assessment, along with collaboration with domestic and international authorities to safeguard citizens, residents, and visitors.

In June 2026, Saudi Arabia had already imposed travel bans for its citizens to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan, along with suspending all arrivals from these countries due to Ebola concerns. The Saudi Public Health Authority, known as Weqaya, assured that the health situation in the Kingdom is stable and under continuous monitoring.

They are also keeping a close eye on epidemiological developments across the region and internationally, in coordination with relevant agencies around the world. Weqaya highlighted that additional preventive measures would be implemented as needed, based on changes in the epidemiological scenario, with the primary goal of maintaining the country's health readiness and ensuring public health and safety.