In a proactive move to contain the potential spread of the Ebola virus, Saudi Arabia’s Public Health Authority has officially suspended all travel to and from Kenya. Announced on October 30, the new policy strictly prohibits Saudi citizens from visiting the East African nation and halts the issuance of all entry visas for travelers arriving from Kenya. Furthermore, the restriction extends to any individuals who have visited Kenya or other affected regions within the 21 days prior to their arrival in the Kingdom, regardless of their transit history.

This decision comes in the wake of Kenya reporting its first Ebola-related fatality, involving a patient who had recently traveled from the Democratic Republic of Congo. By taking these preemptive steps, Saudi health officials aim to bolster their ongoing defense against the epidemic, which has already led to similar travel restrictions for countries such as Uganda and South Sudan. The Public Health Authority (Weqaya) emphasized that while the situation within Saudi Arabia remains stable and under strict monitoring, these heightened measures are essential to ensuring the continued safety of all residents and visitors.