Saudi Arabia bans travel to three countries over Ebola Fears
The Saudi Arabia Ebola travel ban affects three African countries and is aimed at protecting public health.
Under the new measures, Saudi citizens are temporarily prohibited from travelling to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan. At the same time, the Saudi Arabia visa suspension for travellers from these countries has taken immediate effect.
New rules also apply to indirect travellers
The latest Saudi Arabia travel restrictions are not limited to direct flights. Authorities said anyone who has stayed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan within the last 21 days will also be barred from entering the Kingdom, even if they arrive through another country.
Officials said the Saudi Arabia Ebola travel ban is a precautionary step to reduce the risk of the Ebola virus entering the country and to safeguard the health of citizens, residents, and visitors.
Saudi health authority monitoring the situation
Saudi Arabia’s Public Health Authority, Weqaya, said its disease surveillance and emergency response systems remain fully operational.
The authority said it is working closely with national and international health organisations to monitor developments.
It added that the Saudi Arabia travel restrictions are part of a wider strategy to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Weqaya also noted that additional health measures remain in place for travellers arriving from neighbouring countries considered at higher risk, including Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, and the Republic of the Congo (Brazzaville).
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No Ebola cases reported in the Kingdom
Officials stressed that the public health situation in Saudi Arabia remains stable despite the Saudi Arabia travel ban.
They confirmed that no confirmed or suspected Ebola virus cases have been reported in the Kingdom since 2019.
Authorities said the Saudi Arabia visa suspension and other preventive measures are intended to keep the country free from future outbreaks.
What is Ebola?
The Ebola virus was first identified in 1976 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sudan.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Ebola is a serious viral disease with an average fatality rate of around 50 percent, although the rate has varied during different outbreaks.
The Saudi Arabia Ebola travel ban reflects the Kingdom’s efforts to prevent any possible import of the disease.
