Saudi Arabia has introduced travel restrictions to Kenya and halted visa issuance for travellers from the East African country due to growing concerns over the Ebola virus spread in Africa. The measures, announced by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), prohibit entry into the Kingdom for travellers arriving directly from Kenya or through third countries if they have stayed in Kenya or any other country with an active Ebola outbreak within 21 days preceding their arrival.
The restrictions aim to mitigate Ebola risks and protect the health of citizens, residents, and visitors. They build on preventive protocols introduced in July 2019 and strengthened in May 2026 for travellers from countries considered at risk of Ebola outbreaks. These measures follow epidemiological assessments by Saudi Arabia's health authorities.
The restrictions come amid an ongoing Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus, first declared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in May 2026. The outbreak has spread beyond the DRC, with imported cases reported in Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, and France. The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 10,274 confirmed cases and 4,992 deaths in the DRC as of 28 October.
Kenya has reported nine confirmed cases, including two deaths, while Uganda recorded 20 cases and two deaths. Nigeria has one confirmed case, with no deaths recorded. The spread of the virus has heightened concerns among health authorities about cross-border transmission and the need for strengthened surveillance and early detection.
Saudi Arabia had previously suspended travel to and arrivals from the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan in June, while strengthening surveillance and screening at its entry points for travellers from neighbouring countries. The Kingdom's Public Health Authority, Weqaya, stated that the health situation in Saudi Arabia remained reassuring and under constant surveillance.
Weqaya is monitoring regional and international epidemiological developments in coordination with relevant health agencies and will implement additional preventive measures as necessary. The Nigerian Ebola response has also entered a new phase following the identification of two suspected cases in the North-east, which are being investigated by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
The NCDC has isolated the two individuals and is conducting contact identification and listing, as well as laboratory tests to determine whether they have contracted the virus. The agency stressed that being classified as suspected cases does not mean the individuals have tested positive for Ebola, and confirmation will depend on laboratory results.
Key points
- Saudi Arabia suspends travel to Kenya and halts visa issuance due to Ebola concerns.
- The Ebola outbreak has spread to several countries in Africa, including the DRC, Uganda, Kenya, and Nigeria.
- Nigeria's NCDC is investigating two suspected Ebola cases in the North-east.
