SECURITY21-Day Bar: Saudi Suspends Kenya Travel Over Ebola

Saudi Arabia Halts Visas and Entry for Travellers Arriving From Kenya

Saudi Arabia has suspended travel by its citizens to Kenya, halted all visa issuance for travellers arriving from the country, and banned their entry into the Kingdom over Ebola concerns.

The entry restriction applies to anyone arriving directly from Kenya as well as passengers arriving through third countries who stayed in Kenya or other Ebola-hit nations within the 21 days before entering Saudi Arabia. Saudi health authorities instituted the measures following an assessment of the epidemiological situation to protect public health.

The restrictions apply to:

• Saudi citizens planning travel to Kenya.
• Travellers seeking any category of Saudi visa coming from Kenya.
• Any incoming passenger who spent time in Kenya or other Ebola-affected countries during the 21-day window prior to arrival in the Kingdom.

The Saudi Public Health Authority, known as Weqaya, stated that the health situation inside the Kingdom remains stable and under continuous evaluation. The new controls build on preventive travel frameworks introduced in July 2019 and updated in May 2026 for countries facing Ebola risks.

This decision follows earlier restrictions in June 2026, when Saudi Arabia suspended citizen travel to and arrivals from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan. Weqaya confirmed that additional health screening, epidemiological tracking, and response protocols remain active at entry points, with further measures to be introduced if international conditions change.

💡 Quick FAQ & IntelligenceTap to Expand

Q: Does the Saudi entry ban apply to third-country transit flights?

Yes, the ban covers any traveller who spent time in Kenya or another Ebola-affected country within the 21 days prior to arrival in Saudi Arabia, regardless of intermediate transit stops.

Q: Which other countries were previously placed on Saudi Arabia's Ebola travel suspension list?

In June 2026, Saudi Arabia suspended citizen travel to and arrivals from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan.

Q: Which visa categories are covered under the Saudi suspension for Kenya?

The suspension halts the issuance of all visa types for travellers arriving from Kenya.