UAE suspends visas and bars entry for nationals of three countries amid Ebola precautions

The United Arab Emirates has implemented a temporary suspension of new visas for citizens of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan. This measure is part of enhanced efforts to prevent the potential spread of Ebola into the country.

Announced by the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), the new rules take effect June 6. Travelers arriving from the three nations will be barred from entering the UAE, even if they are transiting through third countries. Exceptions are made only for individuals who have spent more than 21 days outside the affected countries before their arrival.

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The restrictions are part of broader efforts to strengthen national preparedness and respond to developments linked to Ebola outbreaks reported in parts of Africa.

Authorities emphasized that these restrictions are a proactive step to bolster national preparedness and respond to ongoing Ebola outbreaks in parts of Africa. The visa suspension will remain in effect indefinitely and is subject to review based on public health assessments. Meanwhile, cargo operations and transit flights between the UAE and the affected countries will proceed as normal.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention assured the public that the UAE's health situation is stable. The country has existing surveillance, early detection, airport screening, and healthcare readiness measures in place. Officials are continuously monitoring the situation in coordination with domestic and international partners, ready to implement further measures if health risks evolve.

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The UAE's public health situation remains stable and that precautionary systems are already in place across the country.