×
Get latest travel news
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has issued a pivotal announcement stating that, effective from June 6, 2026, the nation will temporarily suspend all new visa applications for citizens hailing from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda, and South Sudan. This decision is part of the UAE’s ongoing efforts to fortify its Ebola preparedness and safeguard public health as concerns about the evolving Ebola virus outbreak grow in regions of central and eastern Africa.
Starting at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026, the UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), alongside the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), officially declared a halt to all new visa issuances for nationals of the three specific African countries. This ban encompasses visit visas as well as other types of travel documents.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Authorities have categorized this move as a crucial “precautionary measure” aimed at averting potential health risks associated with the Ebola virus from being imported into UAE territory, despite the fact that the nation has no confirmed cases at present. The implementation of this suspension will be reviewed periodically, with considerations for extensions hinging on assessment updates from global health organizations.
Under the newly established guidelines, individuals seeking to enter the UAE after June 6 from the affected countries will face tighter restrictions:
These newly implemented measures are part of a broader UAE health initiative, which includes previous advisories against non-essential travel to regions afflicted with Ebola, issued as early as May by relevant travel authorities.
This significant decision to suspend new visas directly correlates with the ongoing Ebola epidemic affecting central and eastern Africa, particularly in the DRC and Uganda. Health surveillance reports indicate an alarming rise in confirmed cases, particularly associated with the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. While a specific vaccine for this strain has yet to receive approval, numerous international health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, are actively engaging in efforts to combat the outbreak.
As of early June 2026, the DRC has reported hundreds of cases—both confirmed and suspected—of Ebola, with several fatalities associated with the current outbreak. Similarly, Uganda has recorded dozens of infections, significantly in its border regions. Health officials have reiterated the importance of community surveillance, contact tracing, and rigorous health screening to mitigate the virus’s spread.
Officials from the UAE have consistently emphasized that these measures are preventive in nature and do not reflect the presence of any Ebola cases within the nation. The Ministry of Health and Prevention has confirmed that no infections have been detected domestically, while the UAE remains on high alert and coordinated with international health partners against potential outbreaks.
The new visa suspension undoubtedly impacts a significant number of potential visitors from the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan—including tourists, business travellers, and others seeking entry into the UAE. Individuals planning to travel are urged to meticulously review the new entry requirements and ensure compliance with the 21-day rule related to previous travel history before attempting to enter the UAE.
For those who hold valid UAE visas issued prior to June 6, entry may still be granted; however, it is crucial that these travellers confirm conditions with UAE immigration authorities before making travel plans. Personnel from airlines and border services will enforce the new measures during check-in and upon arrival, potentially asking for documentation to verify travel history or to substantiate the elapsed time outside the designated countries.
Simultaneously, UAE residents and citizens intending to travel to regions affected by the outbreak are being strongly advised to exercise extreme caution, only embarking on essential trips, in adherence to wider travel guidelines and advisories released by both national and global health authorities.
The UAE’s recent travel measures underscore a broader international pattern of response to the Ebola outbreak. Numerous countries worldwide are enhancing public health screenings, issuing travel advisories, and enacting entry restrictions. For instance, the United States has intensified Ebola screening protocols for passengers arriving from impacted regions, necessitating arrival through specified airports equipped with specialized health checks.
Regions neighboring the Ebola outbreak sites—including Uganda and the DRC—are actively deploying border control measures, initiating extensive contact tracing, and enhancing surveillance to quell the spread of the virus. Collaborative endeavors between the WHO and national governments aim to bolster emergency response efforts, enhance clinical care, and implement community engagement strategies designed to control the outbreak.
Those planning travel to or from the UAE should stay informed about these recent restrictions, ensuring that they comply with the specified 21-day rule for travel history if they have recently been in the listed countries. Airlines and travel agencies globally are updating their guidance for impacted passengers in light of these developments.
It’s crucial to recognize that the visa suspension is a precautionary measure, subject to review as the health situation progresses. Travellers are encouraged to monitor official channels, including the UAE Mission websites and national health authorities, for the latest travel alerts, flight updates, and safety advisories.
In summary, starting June 6, 2026, the UAE has enacted a suspension on new visas for nationals from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan as part of its strategy to bolster preparedness against the Ebola virus. Personal adherence to the new entry criteria, including the stringent 21-day rule regarding travel history, will be pivotal for international travellers aiming to navigate the current landscape of public health safety. It’s paramount that all prospective visitors engage thoroughly with health advisories and stay informed as the situation evolves.
Source: The post UAE Suspends New Visas for 3 African Countries Effective June 6 to Strengthen Ebola Preparedness Protect Public Health and Ensure Traveller Safety first appeared on www.travelandtourworld.com.
