Saudi Arabia has suspended travel by its citizens to Kenya and stopped issuing visas to travellers arriving from the country as part of additional measures to prevent the spread of the Ebola virus.
The restrictions, announced on Friday, October 30, 2026, also bar entry to travellers coming directly from Kenya or through third countries if they had stayed in Kenya or another country experiencing an active Ebola outbreak within the 21 days before their arrival.
The new directives also apply to individuals transiting through other countries, meaning travellers cannot bypass the restrictions by using alternative routes after visiting an affected country.
“These directives build upon preventive protocols implemented since July 2019 and reinforced in May 2026 for arrivals from high-risk countries. The proactive approach reflects ongoing coordination with local and international health agencies to evaluate risks, safeguard the health of citizens, residents, and visitors, and contribute to global health security,” Saudi Press Agency stated.
Saudi Arabia Halts Visas, Blocks Entry for Travellers From Kenya Over Ebola Concerns
Saudi authorities said the measures were informed by epidemiological assessments conducted by the Kingdom’s national health agencies and were intended to limit the risk of importing the virus.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Health Authority, Weqaya, said the country’s health situation was stable, noting that surveillance systems remained in place to monitor potential risks.
The agency said it was also tracking Ebola developments within the region and beyond, while working with relevant authorities to determine and implement appropriate preventive action.
In June 2026, Saudi Arabia had also suspended travel to and from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan while tightening health surveillance and screening at entry points for travellers from neighbouring regions.
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What is the Latest Ebola Report From Kenya?
On October 30, 2026, the Ministry of Health announced that Kenya had recorded no new Ebola infections for 10 consecutive days, as the country continued implementing measures to contain an outbreak that has so far resulted in nine confirmed cases and two deaths.
Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni attributed the progress to joint efforts involving the national government, county administrations and development partners. She made the remarks during the ninth Ebola response task force meeting.
Muthoni also revealed that 46 people in quarantine were expected to complete their mandatory monitoring period and return home on November 3.
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She said the remaining contacts were responding well to monitoring and care, with their release expected to be completed by November 11.
“Those completing the required monitoring period are expected to be progressively released, with the process expected to conclude by November 11,” the PS stated.
Meanwhile, Director General for Health Patrick Amoth disclosed that two of the seven patients receiving treatment in isolation had tested negative for Ebola. They were awaiting repeat tests after 72 hours to confirm their status.
The other five patients were reported to be in stable condition as medical teams continued monitoring their progress.
The Ministry said it had traced all 135 identified contacts, including nine outside Kenya. The first 20 people completed the mandatory 21-day monitoring period and were discharged on October 26.
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