Saudi Arabia has introduced new travel restrictions on three African countries as concerns grow over the possible spread of the deadly Ebola virus. The Kingdom said the measures are precautionary and aimed at protecting public health.
According to reports, Saudi authorities have temporarily banned Saudi citizens from travelling to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan. The Kingdom has also suspended the issuance of all types of visas for people coming from these countries.
Entry into Saudi Arabia has also been restricted for travellers from the three affected nations. Officials said the rules will apply even if passengers try to enter the Kingdom through a third country. Anyone who has stayed in Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan during the last 21 days will not be allowed to enter Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Health Authority, known as Weqaya, said its disease monitoring and emergency response systems are fully active. The authority added that it is closely following the situation in coordination with local and international health bodies.
Officials stressed that the latest travel measures are preventive. They said Saudi Arabia regularly takes such steps to reduce the risk of infectious diseases crossing its borders.
The new restrictions follow earlier precautions for travellers from nearby countries affected by the outbreak, including Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, and the Republic of the Congo.
Despite the concerns, Weqaya assured the public that Saudi Arabia’s health situation remains stable. The authority said no confirmed or suspected Ebola case has been reported in the Kingdom since 2019.
Ebola is one of the world’s most dangerous viral diseases. According to the World Health Organization, the disease has an average fatality rate of around 50 percent, though the death rate can vary depending on the outbreak.
The virus has killed nearly 15,000 people worldwide. Saudi officials said they will continue monitoring developments and updating travel policies if needed to protect citizens, residents, and visitors.
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