UAE Bans New Visas and Limits Entry from South Sudan, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo Concerns About Ebola
With effect from June 6, 2026, the United Arab Emirates has imposed new travel restrictions that prohibit entrance for the majority of recent visitors from South Sudan, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and ban the granting of new visas for these nationalities. The actions are in response to an ongoing Ebola outbreak in areas of Uganda and the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo that is being caused by the Bundibugyo virus.
Pulse Reporter
Saturday, 6 June 2026
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced stringent entry measures for travelers linked to three East and Central African countries amid fears over the spread of Ebola disease. Effective from 1:00 PM on Saturday, June 6, 2026, the UAE will suspend all new visa issuances—including visit visas—for nationals of Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and South Sudan.
Travelers arriving directly from these nations or transiting through them will generally be denied entry, unless they have spent more than 21 days outside the listed countries prior to reaching the UAE. The restrictions were announced by the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).
This development follows an earlier advisory from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs on May 30, 2026, urging nationals and residents to avoid non-essential travel to the three countries due to the evolving public health situation.
The measures come as health authorities in the region battle an outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus (BDBV). The World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on May 17, 2026. The outbreak originated in Ituri Province in northeastern DRC and has spread to Uganda, with cross-border movement identified as a key risk factor.
As of early June 2026, the DRC has reported hundreds of confirmed cases and dozens of deaths, primarily in Ituri, Nord-Kivu, and Sud-Kivu provinces. Uganda has recorded confirmed cases, including some linked to travel from the DRC, with health workers among those affected. South Sudan has not reported active cases but is included due to its proximity and regional connectivity.
The Bundibugyo strain differs from the more common Zaire ebolavirus; it has caused fewer large outbreaks historically and lacks some of the specific vaccines and treatments developed for other strains, complicating response efforts. Symptoms include fever, body pain, weakness, vomiting, and in severe cases, bleeding. Health officials stress that early detection, isolation, and supportive care significantly improve survival rates.
Uganda’s Ministry of Health has activated enhanced surveillance, contact tracing, and treatment centers. Recent updates indicate several patients recovering and being discharged, with officials emphasizing that the country remains open while urging vigilance, particularly in border areas like the Kigezi sub-region, which borders affected zones.
The UAE’s actions align with similar precautionary steps by other countries, including enhanced screening or restrictions by the United States and others in the Gulf region. No Ebola cases have been reported in the UAE itself.
For Ugandans and residents with ties to the UAE, the restrictions could impact labor migration, business travel, tourism, and family visits. Many Ugandans work in the UAE, and the suspension of new visas may create short-term challenges until the situation stabilizes. Travelers are advised to check with UAE authorities or airlines for the latest requirements and consider the 21-day quarantine period from affected areas.
