Saudi Arabia suspends travel and entry from Kenya over Ebola concerns

As part of additional precautionary measures to reduce risks associated with the spread of the Ebola virus, Saudi Arabia has implemented several steps, including suspending travel for citizens to Kenya, halting the issuance of all types of visas for arrivals from Kenya, and banning entry to the Kingdom for travelers coming from Kenya. This also applies to those arriving via other countries who have resided in Kenya or in countries that have experienced an Ebola outbreak within the 21 days prior to their arrival in Saudi Arabia.

These measures build on preventive steps first introduced by the Kingdom in July 2019, which were further strengthened in May 2026 for arrivals from countries at risk of Ebola outbreaks. This proactive approach includes ongoing risk monitoring and assessment, and coordination with relevant local and international authorities to protect the health of citizens, residents, and visitors, and to contribute to global health security.

In June 2026, Saudi Arabia also suspended travel and entry from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan, and enhanced precautionary measures for arrivals from countries neighboring outbreak areas. These measures include screening at entry points, epidemiological investigations, and activation of early health response mechanisms.

The Public Health Authority (Weqaya) affirmed that the health situation in the Kingdom remains reassuring and is under close and continuous monitoring. The authority noted that it continues to track epidemiological developments regionally and internationally, in coordination with relevant agencies inside and outside the Kingdom, and will take necessary preventive steps according to the evolving situation to ensure readiness and safeguard public health and safety.