RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has introduced additional precautionary measures to limit the risks associated with the Ebola virus outbreak, including suspending travel by Saudi citizens to Kenya, halting the issuance of all types of visas to travelers from the country and banning their entry into the Kingdom.The measures, adopted following an assessment of the epidemiological situation by the relevant health authorities, also prohibit entry by travelers arriving through third countries who have stayed in Kenya or other countries affected by Ebola outbreaks during the 21 days preceding their arrival in Saudi Arabia.The new restrictions build on preventive measures first introduced by the Kingdom in July 2019 and strengthened in May 2026 for travelers arriving from countries facing Ebola outbreak risks.Saudi authorities said the measures reflect a proactive approach based on continuous health risk monitoring and assessment, alongside coordination with relevant domestic and international authorities to protect citizens, residents and visitors.In June 2026, Saudi Arabia suspended travel by its citizens to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, as well as arrivals from those countries.The Kingdom also strengthened precautionary measures for travelers arriving from countries neighboring Ebola-affected areas, including screening at entry points, epidemiological investigations and early health response mechanisms.The Saudi Public Health Authority (Weqaya) reassured the public that the Kingdom’s health situation remains stable and is subject to close and continuous monitoring.Weqaya said it continues to track epidemiological developments regionally and internationally in coordination with relevant authorities inside and outside Saudi Arabia.The authority emphasized that additional preventive measures would be taken as necessary in response to changes in the epidemiological situation, ensuring the Kingdom’s health preparedness and protecting public health and safety.
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