Saudi Arabia suspends travel to Kenya and all visas for arrivals

Saudi Arabia announced a new set of precautionary measures against Ebola, including suspending its citizens' travel to Kenya, halting the issuance of all visa categories for travellers from Kenya and barring entry for anyone who stayed in Kenya or in Ebola-affected countries during the 21 days before arrival, including those arriving through third countries.

The Saudi Public Health Authority said the Kingdom's health situation remains reassuring and is under continuous monitoring, and that the preventive measures aim to strengthen response readiness and protect public health.

The Qatar News Agency said the steps build on precautions introduced in July 2019 and strengthened in May 2026. In June 2026, Saudi Arabia also suspended travel to and from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, tightening screening and epidemiological surveillance at entry points.

Kenya's foreign ministry, meanwhile, called the measures disproportionate and not supported by scientific health evidence. The step comes as regional countries monitor the Ebola outbreak and update their preventive measures at border crossings.

What do these terms mean?

Ebola: A virus that causes severe haemorrhagic fever and spreads through direct contact with an infected person's bodily fluids, with a high fatality rate in some outbreaks.

Incubation period: The time between exposure to the virus and the appearance of symptoms, usually two to 21 days for Ebola, which is why a 21-day period is used in quarantine and entry bans.

Visa: An official permit a state grants to enter its territory, with categories that vary by purpose of visit such as tourism, work or residence.