A new travel restrictions has been announced by Saudi Arabia on 30 October 2026 following the Ebola outbreak in Kenya. The decision was taken by the Kingdom’s health authorities after they reviewed the risk of the virus spreading through international travel.

What Are the New Travel Restrictions?

SPA (Saudi Press Agency) has introduced the following measures: 

• Saudi citizens: Travelling to Kenya has been suspended for the time being. 
• Visa issuance: All types of Saudi visas for travellers arriving from Kenya have been put on hold.
• Entry: Travellers coming from Kenya are temporarily barred from entering Saudi Arabia.

Who Else Are Restricted?

The restrictions also apply to travellers who have been to Kenya or any other Ebola-affected country in the last 21 days. They cannot enter Saudi Arabia even if they travel through another country.

What Is the Ebola Situation in Kenya

On 6 October 2026, the first Ebola Case was confirmed by Kenya. The infected person had travelled from the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo) through Uganda before reaching Nairobi.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of 31st October:

• 9 confirmed cases and 2 deaths had been reported.
• All confirmed infection was linked to the first person. 
• No wider community transmission had been identified yet. 

Kenya’s health teams are monitoring people who came into contact with infected patients to prevent further transmission.

When These Restrictions Will End?

Saudi Arabia has not announced when these restrictions will end. Until further announcement or notice, all travellers covered by these measures must follow the applicable travel restrictions.