Saudi Arabia bans entry for citizens of three countries

Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the entry of citizens from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda and South Sudan as part of precautionary measures to prevent the potential spread of the Ebola virus.

According to a report published by Gulf News on Friday (June 26), the travel restrictions include a temporary halt to the issuance of new visas and entry permits for nationals of the three countries.

Citing the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the report said the ban applies not only to travellers arriving directly from the affected countries but also to those attempting to enter the Kingdom via third countries. The restrictions also cover foreign nationals who have visited the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan within the previous 21 days before travelling to Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia's Public Health Authority, Weqaya, said the decision was taken to safeguard public health and prevent the cross-border transmission of infectious diseases.

The authority added that it is closely monitoring the regional health situation while strengthening coordination with domestic and international health agencies.

The Kingdom has also tightened health screening, surveillance and emergency response measures at all entry points for travellers arriving from countries neighbouring Ebola-affected regions.

Despite the enhanced precautions, Weqaya said the public health situation in Saudi Arabia remains stable, with no suspected or confirmed Ebola cases detected since the restrictions were introduced.

Saudi authorities said they will continue to monitor global and regional health developments and are prepared to implement additional measures if necessary to protect public health.