Saudi Arabia has imposed new travel restrictions on Kenya amid concerns over the spread of the Ebola virus, affecting travellers seeking to enter the Kingdom.

The measures, announced on Friday, October 30, include suspending travel by Saudi citizens to Kenya, halting the issuance of all categories of visas to travellers from the country and prohibiting their entry into Saudi Arabia.

According to Saudi authorities, the restrictions were introduced following an assessment of the prevailing epidemiological situation by relevant health agencies as part of efforts to prevent the spread of the virus.

The restrictions will also affect travellers who attempt to enter Saudi Arabia through third countries but have stayed in Kenya or other Ebola-affected countries within the 21 days preceding their arrival.

Saudi Arabia's Public Health Authority, known as Weqaya, said the measures were part of its wider preventive strategy to protect citizens, residents and visitors from potential exposure to the virus.

The authority added that the Kingdom's public health situation remained stable and was under continuous monitoring, with health agencies coordinating responses to developments in the region and internationally.

KENYA'S EBOLA SITUATION

The announcement comes as Kenya continues to manage cases of Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease following the confirmation of an imported case in October.

The first confirmed case involved a Kenyan man who had travelled from the Democratic Republic of Congo through Uganda before arriving in Nairobi on October 3, 2026. He subsequently tested positive for the virus and died.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Kenya had recorded nine confirmed cases, including two deaths, as of October 26.

The additional infections were linked to the initial case, with health authorities conducting contact tracing, quarantine and surveillance to contain further transmission.

WHO reported that all nine cases belonged to one connected cluster, with no evidence of wider community transmission at the time of its latest update.

REGIONAL TRAVEL CONCERNS

Saudi Arabia's latest restrictions follow similar precautionary measures introduced in June 2026, when the Kingdom suspended travel to and arrivals from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan.

The Kingdom has also strengthened health screening at entry points, epidemiological investigations and early response mechanisms for travellers arriving from areas considered at risk of Ebola transmission.

The latest development could affect Kenyans planning to travel to Saudi Arabia for employment, business and other activities, particularly those whose travel arrangements depend on obtaining new visas.

Travellers are advised to seek clarification from relevant Saudi authorities and airlines before making travel arrangements as the situation develops.