By Staff Reporter
DUBAI- The United Arab Emirates has announced the suspension of new visa issuances for nationals of three countries affected by the ongoing Ebola outbreak — the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan — as part of enhanced precautionary measures to safeguard public health.
The decision was jointly announced by the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) on Friday.
According to the authorities, the suspension will take effect at 1:00 PM on Saturday, June 6, 2026, and may be extended depending on developments surrounding the Ebola situation.
Under the new measures, entry into the UAE will be restricted for travellers arriving directly or indirectly from the three affected countries, including those transiting through other nations. However, travellers who have spent more than 21 consecutive days outside the listed countries before arriving in the UAE will still be allowed entry.
Authorities clarified that cargo flights and transit flights between the UAE and the affected countries will continue operating without disruption.
NCEMA and ICP stated that they will continue monitoring the Ebola outbreak in cooperation with local and international health partners, while assessing potential risks to other countries and implementing additional measures when necessary.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) reassured residents that the UAE’s public health situation remains stable. The ministry noted that the current Ebola outbreak is largely concentrated in specific areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
The UAE continues to maintain robust preventive measures against Ebola, including disease surveillance, early detection systems, airport screening protocols, and healthcare preparedness to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.
Source: Khaleej Times
