- The UAE has announced a suspension of new visa applications for nationals of three African countries amid concerns over the Ebola situation in Central and East Africa
- The restrictions cover citizens of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, and took effect at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026
- The UAE has also barred entry for travellers arriving from the three countries, including those who transit through a third country before reaching the UAE
The United Arab Emirates has stopped issuing new visas to nationals of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan amid the Ebola situation in Central and East Africa.
Source: Getty Images
According to Legit.ng, the restrictions were announced jointly by the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).
Visa suspension covers new applications
The measures took effect at 13:00 on Saturday, June 6, 2026. They apply to all new visa categories, including visit visas, for nationals of the three countries. The announcement did not mention any exemptions.
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The UAE has also barred entry to travellers arriving from the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan. The restriction applies even if a passenger travelled through a third country before attempting to enter the UAE.
Authorities cite Ebola situation
NCEMA and ICP described the restrictions as precautionary measures linked to the Ebola situation in Central and East Africa.
The DRC has experienced multiple Ebola outbreaks, while Uganda and South Sudan share borders with the country, according to the supplied report.
The authorities did not specify how long the restrictions would remain in place or what conditions would need to be met before they are lifted.
Canada Restricts Travel From Three African Countries Over Ebola
TUKO.co.ke reported that Canada introduced temporary border restrictions affecting travellers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan amid Ebola concerns.
The measures included suspending immigration documents and processing new applications for residents of the affected countries for 90 days.
Canadian authorities also required affected travellers to undergo a 21-day quarantine upon arrival.
Source: Legit.ng
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