UAE Suspends Visas for DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan Amid Ebola Concerns

The UAE has announced a temporary suspension of new visas for nationals of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan as authorities step up measures to prevent the spread of Ebola. The decision, announced jointly by the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), will take effect from June 6. Under the new rules, travellers arriving from the three countries will not be allowed to enter the UAE, including those travelling through third countries. Authorities said entry will only be permitted to individuals who have remained outside the affected countries for more than 21 days before arriving in the Emirates. Officials said the restrictions are part of broader efforts to strengthen national preparedness and respond to developments linked to Ebola outbreaks reported in parts of Africa. The visa suspension will remain in place until further notice and may be extended depending on public health assessments. Despite the restrictions, cargo operations between the UAE and the affected countries will continue. Transit flights will also operate as normal, according to the authorities. NCEMA and ICP said they will continue monitoring the situation in coordination with domestic and international partners and will review whether additional measures are required based on evolving health risks. The Ministry of Health and Prevention said the UAE's public health situation remains stable and that precautionary systems are already in place across the country. These include disease surveillance, early detection mechanisms, airport screening procedures and healthcare readiness measures. In a public advisory issued on June 3, the ministry said current Ebola outbreaks remain largely concentrated in parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. Authorities stressed that they will continue assessing developments and implement further measures when necessary in line with approved health protocols and risk evaluations.