UAE suspends new visas for DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan amid Ebola concerns
Cargo operations remain unaffected under latest rules
ABU DHABI – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced additional precautionary measures for travellers from three African countries as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen national preparedness against Ebola.
In a joint statement issued on Friday, the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) confirmed new restrictions affecting arrivals from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan.
The latest measures follow assurances from the Ministry of Health and Prevention earlier this week that there are currently no Ebola cases in the UAE. Authorities had also confirmed that a traveller who was later diagnosed with Ebola in Uganda had visited the UAE but did not seek medical treatment during their stay, while precautionary public health measures were immediately activated in line with established protocols.
UAE entry restrictions
Under the new directives, the issuance of all new visas for nationals of the three countries, including visit visas, will be suspended from 1pm on Saturday, June 6, 2026. Authorities said the decision may be extended depending on developments related to the outbreak.
The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority #NCEMA and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security @UAEICP announce additional precautionary measures for arrivals from a number of countries, as part of strengthening preparedness… pic.twitter.com/s2QmgjjGZD
— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) June 5, 2026
In addition, travellers arriving from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan will be denied entry into the UAE. The restriction also applies to passengers who travel through one or more transit countries before arriving in the UAE, unless they have remained outside the listed countries for more than 21 days before their arrival.
Officials clarified that transit flight operations will continue without disruption, while cargo flights between the UAE and the three countries will proceed as normal.
The measures form part of the UAE’s proactive approach to safeguarding public health as authorities continue to monitor developments linked to the Ebola virus in coordination with international partners and health organisations.
NCEMA and ICP said they will continue assessing the evolving situation and reviewing any potential impact on other countries. The authorities added that further measures will be introduced when necessary, based on risk assessments and approved health standards aimed at protecting residents and visitors while maintaining a high level of national readiness.