Saudi Arabia Imposes Travel Ban on Kenya Amid Ebola Outbreak Fears

Saudi Arabia Imposes Travel Ban on Kenya Amid Ebola Outbreak Fears

Saudi Arabia has suspended travel to Kenya by its citizens and halted the issuance of all visa categories to travellers from the country following concerns over the Ebola outbreak.

The Saudi Public Health Authority announced the precautionary measures on Friday, October 30, saying the restrictions were intended to reduce the risk of the virus spreading into the Kingdom.

The measures also prohibit entry into Saudi Arabia for people arriving from Kenya, including travellers transiting through other countries.

In a statement, the Saudi government said the decision followed an assessment of the prevailing epidemiological situation and formed part of its efforts to protect public health.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has taken precautionary measures to mitigate the risks of an Ebola virus outbreak, based on an assessment of the epidemiological situation,” the Kingdom said.

It added that the restrictions covered travel by Saudi citizens to Kenya, visa issuance and entry into the Kingdom for people arriving from the country.

“These measures include suspending travel by Saudi citizens to Kenya, suspending the issuance of all types of visas for arrivals from Kenya, and prohibiting entry into the Kingdom for those arriving from Kenya,” the statement added.

The announcement could affect Kenyans planning to travel to Saudi Arabia, as well as people seeking to visit the Kingdom for work, business or other purposes.

Saudi Arabia strengthens Ebola travel restrictions

Saudi Arabia said its latest decision followed a wider approach to managing infectious disease risks, introduced in July 2019 and strengthened in May 2026 following the Ebola outbreak.

In June 2026, the Kingdom reportedly introduced travel restrictions affecting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda and South Sudan as part of measures to limit the potential spread of the virus.

The latest restrictions place Kenya among the countries facing additional travel controls as health authorities respond to the outbreak.

Travellers should seek clarification from Saudi authorities and relevant diplomatic missions before making travel arrangements, particularly if they hold existing visas or have bookings affected by the restrictions.

Kenya confirms Ebola Bundibugyo cases

The announcement comes after Kenya reported an outbreak of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease in October 2026.

According to information attributed to Kenya’s Ministry of Health, the first confirmed case involved a Kenyan man who had travelled from the Democratic Republic of Congo through Uganda.

The patient reportedly arrived in Nairobi on October 3 and was isolated at Nairobi Hospital. He died on October 5 despite receiving supportive care.

Eight additional people subsequently tested positive, including four family members and four healthcare workers who had treated the initial patient.

By October 26, Kenya had recorded nine confirmed cases and two deaths, according to the figures provided in the outbreak update. One of the reported fatalities was a 65-year-old woman described as a close relative of the first patient.

The developments have heightened concerns about cross-border transmission and the need for coordinated public health measures.

Ministry intensifies outbreak response

Kenya’s Ministry of Health has intensified contact tracing, laboratory testing, disease surveillance and screening at points of entry to identify possible infections and limit further transmission.

These measures are intended to help health officials identify exposed individuals, monitor their health and respond quickly to suspected cases.

Members of the public have also been urged to report Ebola-related emergencies through the Ministry of Health’s toll-free line, 719, by dialling *719# or through WhatsApp on 0700 719 719.

What the travel ban means for Kenyans

Saudi Arabia’s restrictions introduce additional uncertainty for Kenyans travelling to the Kingdom while the outbreak response continues.

The reported suspension of all visa categories could affect new applications, while the entry restrictions may also affect travellers attempting to reach Saudi Arabia through third countries.

However, travellers should confirm the specific application of the measures with official Saudi authorities before assuming that an existing visa guarantees entry.

As Kenya continues its public health response, the restrictions highlight how infectious disease outbreaks can affect international travel, immigration procedures and relations between countries.

For now, travellers are advised to follow official government updates and verify travel requirements before departing.

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Saudi Arabia Imposes Travel Ban on Kenya Amid Ebola Outbreak Fears