Ebola: Saudi Arabia Suspends Umrah Entry from Three African Countries
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
Saudi Arabia has suspended the entry of Umrah pilgrims and other travelers from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda and South Sudan as part of measures to prevent the spread of the Ebola virus into the Kingdom.
The restrictions also prohibit Saudi citizens from travelling to the three African countries, which have recorded Ebola-related health concerns.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the suspension covers all travelers arriving from the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, regardless of nationality.
It also applies to individuals who travelled through third countries but stayed in any of the affected nations within 21 days before seeking entry into Saudi Arabia.
Saudi authorities said the measures aim to safeguard public health and prevent the cross-border transmission of infectious diseases.
While imposing a full entry ban on travelers from the three countries, the Kingdom opted for enhanced health screening for arrivals from neighboring Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania and the Republic of Congo.
The Public Health Authority (Weqaya) said officials have strengthened disease surveillance and early response procedures at all entry points to detect and manage suspected Ebola cases promptly.
Despite the tightened precautions, Weqaya said Saudi Arabia has not recorded any confirmed or suspected Ebola cases since introducing the preventive measures.
The authority described the Kingdom’s public health situation as stable, adding that its surveillance and epidemic response system continues to operate around the clock in coordination with domestic and international health agencies.
Weqaya said it would continue monitoring regional and international developments related to the Ebola outbreak and update its health guidance whenever the situation changes.
Saudi authorities urged residents, visitors and intending pilgrims to comply with all health regulations and precautionary measures designed to protect public health and reduce the risk of infectious disease transmission.
The latest restrictions underscore the Kingdom’s commitment to maintaining a safe environment for pilgrims and the wider public amid emerging global health threats.
