Saudi Arabia has suspended travel to Kenya and imposed new entry restrictions on arrivals from the East African country as authorities step up measures to prevent the spread of Ebola, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Friday.
The restrictions, introduced following an assessment of the regional epidemiological situation, prohibit Saudi citizens from travelling to Kenya and suspend the issuance of all categories of visas to travellers from the country.
Authorities have also barred entry to travellers arriving from Kenya, including those transiting through third countries, if they have stayed in Kenya or another Ebola-affected country within 21 days before their intended arrival.
According to SPA, the decision forms part of a broader public health strategy introduced in 2019 and reinforced in May 2026 to reduce the risk of Ebola entering the kingdom.
In June, Saudi Arabia imposed similar travel and entry restrictions on the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan amid concerns over the spread of the virus in the region.
The kingdom has also tightened health surveillance for travellers arriving from countries bordering Ebola-affected areas.
These measures include enhanced screening at airports and other entry points, epidemiological investigations and early-response procedures designed to identify and contain potential infections.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Health Authority, known as Weqaya, said the domestic health situation remained stable and that authorities were continuing to monitor developments across the region.
The agency said it was coordinating with relevant government bodies to assess emerging health risks and introduce additional preventive measures when necessary.
Ebola is a highly infectious and potentially fatal viral disease transmitted through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids or tissues of infected people.
Symptoms include fever, severe weakness, vomiting and diarrhoea, while advanced cases can involve internal and external bleeding.
The latest Saudi restrictions come amid heightened regional concern over Ebola outbreaks and efforts by African health authorities to strengthen cross-border surveillance and prevent further transmission.
