Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Madagascar and El Salvador are among the countries that have announced measures affecting travellers from Kenya.
Israel had also imposed restrictions earlier in the year before reversing its decision following diplomatic intervention by Nairobi.
Saudi Arabia Suspends Travel and Visa Processing for Kenyans
Saudi Arabia suspended travel by its citizens to Kenya and halted the issuance of visas to people arriving from the country following an assessment of the Ebola situation.
The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Friday, October 30, that the Kingdom had introduced additional precautionary measures to reduce the risk of the virus spreading into the country.
The restrictions include stopping Saudi citizens from traveling to Kenya and suspending all visa categories for people arriving from the East African nation.
More than 300 Kenyans who traveled to Saudi Arabia in search of employment have been forced to return home after authorities blocked their entry over Ebola-related restrictions, leaving them stranded at the airport for two days.
The group, which departed Kenya on October 30, had traveled to the Gulf country on valid work visas but was denied entry upon arrival and subsequently repatriated, arriving back in the country.
The workers spent four days stranded at Sharjah Airport in the United Arab Emirates before boarding a flight back to Kenya. Their plane landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at about 1:30 pm on Monday, November 2.
Kuwait Introduces 21-Day Travel Requirement
Kuwait has also introduced restrictions affecting passengers originating from Kenya.
The country’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation instructed airlines operating flights to Kuwait International Airport to deny boarding to passengers traveling from Kenya unless at least 21 days had passed since their departure from the country.
The directive also covers passengers connecting through third countries. Airlines must examine travelers’ movement histories to determine whether they have met the 21-day requirement.
Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs subsequently sought a review of the restrictions imposed by Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
On November 2, Director General for Political Affairs Ambassador Josephat Maikara, Deputy Director General for Africa Affairs Ambassador Dennis Mburu and Middle East Directorate Director Sora Katelo met representatives of the two countries in Nairobi.
Kenya raised concerns over the measures, arguing that it had complied with World Health Organization guidelines and that no new Ebola cases had been reported since October 19.
Representatives from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait agreed to relay Kenya’s concerns to their respective governments and facilitate technical discussions between their health authorities and Kenya’s Ministry of Health.
Also Read: Another Country Joins Saudi Arabia, Imposes Entry Ban on Kenyans
Madagascar Bars Travelers Who Visited Kenya Within 21 Days
Madagascar introduced entry restrictions effective November 1, 2026, targeting foreign nationals who had visited or transited through Kenya, Nigeria or the Democratic Republic of Congo within the preceding 21 days.
Under the measures, most foreign nationals falling within the affected categories are temporarily barred from entering the island nation.
However, exemptions were provided for Malagasy citizens, foreign residents holding valid work or student visas, diplomats and authorized personnel from international organizations and non-governmental organizations.
Those permitted to enter despite the restrictions must undergo mandatory 21-day quarantine and health monitoring. They must also cover the costs of accommodation, meals, and transport to designated health facilities.
Kenya Airways subsequently cautioned passengers about the restrictions.
El Salvador Includes Kenya in Restrictions Affecting Eight African Countries
El Salvador has also included Kenya among eight African countries whose nationals face entry restrictions over Ebola concerns.
In October 2026, the Central American country announced measures barring nationals of Kenya, Angola, Burundi, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Rwanda and Uganda from entering its territory.
The restrictions also affected countries where no Ebola cases had been reported.
The decision attracted attention after CNN journalist Larry Madowo disclosed on social media on Tuesday, October 21, that El Salvador had rejected his application for a special entry permit because he was Kenyan.
Madowo said he had planned to return to El Salvador, where he had previously visited and met President Nayib Bukele.
“I’ve just been denied a visa because of Ebola. This was by El Salvador, and that was when Kenya had eight Ebola cases. But they’re not just banning citizens of Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where this outbreak began,” he stated.
Also Read: Kenya Blasts Saudi Arabia Over Travel Restrictions
Israel Previously Restricted Kenyan Travelers Before Reversing Decision
Israel had also introduced restrictions affecting Kenyan travelers in June 2026 but later reversed the decision following protests by Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
A notice issued by Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) on June 10, 2026, instructed airlines to prevent passengers from five African countries, including Kenya, from boarding flights to Israel.
The other countries listed were the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Rwanda and Uganda.
The notice further directed airlines to deny boarding to foreign nationals who had stayed in or visited any of the five countries within the 21 days before their flight, regardless of their nationality or country of residence.
“It is prohibited to board foreign passengers who meet the criteria specified below on flights bound to Israel. You are required to prevent foreign citizens and residents of the following countries from boarding: The Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda,” the notice stated.
Israel later rescinded the restrictions following diplomatic intervention by Kenya.
The restrictions come as Kenya continues to respond to an outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which has resulted in nine confirmed cases and two deaths.
The cases are linked to a single cluster traced to an imported infection involving a Kenyan man who traveled from the Democratic Republic of Congo through Uganda before arriving in Nairobi on October 3, 2026.
By October 30, 2026, the Ministry of Health had reported 10 consecutive days without a new infection. Health officials had also begun releasing contacts who had completed the mandatory 21-day monitoring period without developing symptoms.
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