Saudi Arabia restricts travel from Kenya over Ebola concerns

Saudi Arabia has suspended travel by its citizens to Kenya and halted the issuance of visas to travellers arriving from the East African country, citing concerns over the spread of the Ebola virus. The measures also bar entry for anyone who has been in Kenya or any other country with an active Ebola outbreak within the previous 21 days.

The Saudi Press Agency announced the restrictions on its official X account, stating they follow epidemiological assessments by the health authorities. The Public Health Authority, Weqaya, said the domestic health situation remains reassuring and under constant surveillance.

These steps build on preventive protocols first introduced in July 2019 and strengthened in May 2026 for travellers from nations deemed at risk of Ebola. In June, Saudi Arabia also suspended travel to and arrivals from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, while enhancing screening at entry points.

The restrictions come as the Bundibugyo virus Ebola outbreak, first declared in the DRC in May 2026, spreads beyond its borders. The US CDC reported, as of 28 October, 10,274 confirmed cases and 4,992 deaths in the DRC, with nine cases and two deaths in Kenya, 20 cases and two deaths in Uganda, and one case in Nigeria.

Saudi officials said they are monitoring regional and international epidemiological developments in coordination with relevant health agencies and will introduce further preventive measures if needed.