Saudi Arabia Restricts Travel to DRC, Uganda and South Sudan Over Ebola Concerns
Last updated: Jun 26, 2026
Saudi Arabia has restricted travel connected to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan after Ebola-related red alerts were posted by Saudi Public Health Authority.
Citizens Are Banned From Travelling to Three Countries
Saudi Public Health Authority classifies all three countries at the red travel-alert level.
Its official PDFs for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan list Ebola among active diseases and advise against travel except in cases of necessity.
- Democratic Republic of the Congo: Weqaya lists Ebola, cholera, mpox and several monitored diseases in the red-level alert.
- Uganda: Weqaya lists Ebola and mpox among active diseases in the red-level alert.
- South Sudan: Weqaya lists Ebola and mpox among active diseases in the red-level alert.
Saudi has suspended the issuance of all types of visas and entry into the Kingdom for individuals arriving from these three countries.
The report says the rule also applies to travellers arriving through third countries if they were in the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan within 21 days before entering Saudi Arabia.
For wider updates, check our Wego Ebola travel restrictions guide covers entry bans, screening rules, quarantine measures and official advisories announced by other governments.
Why The 21-Day Window Matters
Ebola symptoms can appear 2 to 21 days after exposure. The World Health Organization says Ebola spreads through direct contact with blood, body fluids or contaminated surfaces from an infected person or someone who has died from the disease.
The current outbreak has been treated as an international public-health emergency.
Who Should Check Before Travelling
Saudi nationals should avoid discretionary trips to the three countries while the alerts remain active.
Saudi’s official guidance for the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan advises against travel except when necessary and recommends reducing stay duration, close contact and activities if travel is unavoidable.
Travellers from the three affected countries should verify Saudi entry eligibility before booking.
If your trip involves Riyadh, Jeddah or Dammam, check your visa status with the airline, Saudi authorities or the nearest Saudi embassy before departure.
Sources
- Saudi Public Health Authority — Travel Alerts
- Saudi Public Health Authority API — DRC Travel Alert Record
- Saudi Public Health Authority API — Uganda Travel Alert Record
- Saudi Public Health Authority API — South Sudan Travel Alert Record
- Saudi Public Health Authority — Democratic Republic of the Congo Travel Alert PDF
- Saudi Public Health Authority — Uganda Travel Alert PDF
- Saudi Public Health Authority — South Sudan Travel Alert PDF
- World Health Organization — Ebola Disease Fact Sheet
- World Health Organization — Temporary Recommendations for Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease
- Times of India — Saudi Arabia Imposes Travel Ban on 3 African Countries
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.