Saudi Arabia has imposed travel restrictions on Kenya over concerns about the spread of Ebola, becoming the latest country to introduce precautionary ...
Saudi Arabia has imposed travel restrictions on Kenya over concerns about the spread of Ebola, becoming the latest country to introduce precautionary measures as health authorities intensify efforts to contain the outbreak in parts of Africa.The restrictions, announced on October 30, 2026, include suspending travel by Saudi citizens to Kenya, halting the issuance of all categories of visas to travellers from the East African country and banning entry for people arriving directly from Kenya.The measures also apply to travellers entering Saudi Arabia through third countries if they have stayed in Kenya or another country experiencing an active Ebola outbreak within the previous 21 days.According to Kenyan health authorities, the country has recorded nine Ebola cases and two deaths since the outbreak was detected in October. All reported infections have been linked to a single transmission cluster associated with an imported case from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).Kenya has said the outbreak remains under control, with no new infections reported since October 19 and no evidence of community transmission.The Kenyan government has criticised Saudi Arabia's decision, describing the restrictions as excessive and disproportionate to the country's public health situation.Kenya has also opened diplomatic engagements with Saudi Arabia, seeking the lifting of the restrictions and calling for cooperation rather than isolation.The restrictions have raised concerns over their potential impact on Kenyan workers, religious pilgrims, students, tourism and trade, particularly given the large number of Kenyans living and working in Saudi Arabia.Meanwhile, health authorities across the region continue to strengthen disease surveillance, contact tracing, border screening and public awareness campaigns to prevent further international transmission.The World Health Organization (WHO) has advised countries against imposing travel and trade restrictions on Ebola-affected countries, emphasising the importance of coordinated public health measures and cross-border cooperation.
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