Riyadh, October 30, 2026 – Saudi Arabia has announced four new precautionary measures against the Ebola virus, focusing on travel and entry linked to Kenya. Middleeastmonitor
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the measures, based on assessments by national health authorities, are as follows:
- Suspension of travel by Saudi citizens to Kenya.
- Halt on the issuance of all visa categories for travellers from Kenya.
- Ban on entry into the Kingdom for travellers arriving from Kenya, including those transiting through third countries who have stayed in Kenya (or any other country with an active Ebola outbreak) within the previous 21 days.
- Continuation of existing travel restrictions involving the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda, and South Sudan. Spa
These steps build on preventive protocols first introduced in July 2019 and strengthened in May 2026 for travellers from high-risk countries. In June 2026, the Kingdom had already suspended travel to and entry from the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan, while enhancing screening at entry points for arrivals from neighbouring areas. Middleeastmonitor
The Public Health Authority (Weqaya) stated that the health situation inside Saudi Arabia remains reassuring and under continuous monitoring. Authorities are tracking regional and international epidemiological developments and coordinating with relevant agencies to protect citizens, residents, and visitors. Spa
The move follows Kenya’s confirmation of its first Ebola case earlier in October, linked to the ongoing outbreak in eastern DRC. The DRC outbreak, which began in mid-May 2026, has been described as one of the larger ones on record. Khaleejtimes
Saudi authorities emphasised that the restrictions form part of a proactive approach to safeguard public health and contribute to global health security.