UAE authorities have announced new precautionary measures to prevent the spread of Ebola virus. New visa issuances to nationals from three Ebola-hit countries — Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan — have been suspended.
The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) announced the additional precautionary measures on Friday to strengthen national preparedness and respond to developments related to the Ebola virus.
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When does the decision come into effect?
The UAE visa suspension takes effect at 1pm on Saturday, June 6, 2026, and may be extended depending on the health situation.
Entry to the UAE will be restricted for travellers arriving from the listed countries, including those travelling via transit through other countries.
Entry will only be permitted for travellers who have spent more than 21 days outside the listed countries before arriving in the UAE.
Cargo flights between the UAE and the three countries will continue without disruption.
Transit flights will also continue without disruption, the authorities said.
The NCEMA and ICP will continue to monitor developments related to the Ebola virus in coordination with local and international partners. They will also assess its impact on any other countries and take the necessary measures in line with risk assessments and approved health standards.
The UAE continues to maintain precautionary preparedness measures against Ebola, including surveillance, early detection, airport readiness and healthcare preparedness, the Ministry of Health and Prevention has said.
In an advisory on June 3, MoHAP said that the public health situation in the country remains stable, while the current Ebola outbreak remains primarily concentrated in parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
Source: Khaleej Times