The United Arab Emirates announced a temporary suspension of granting new visas to citizens of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, as part of the authorities’ intensification of measures to prevent the spread of the Ebola virus.The decision, announced by the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), will come into effect from June 6.Under the new rules, travelers coming from the three countries will not be allowed to enter the Emirates, including those traveling through third countries. Authorities said entry will only be allowed to individuals who have remained outside the affected countries for more than 21 days before arriving in the UAE.Officials said the restrictions are part of broader efforts to strengthen national preparedness and response to developments linked to the reported Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa.
The visa suspension will remain in effect until further notice and may be extended depending on public health assessments.Despite the restrictions, shipping operations between the UAE and the affected countries will continue. Transit flights will also operate as usual, according to the authorities.
NCEMA and ICP said they will continue to monitor the situation in coordination with local and international partners and will review whether additional measures are needed based on the evolving health risks.The Ministry of Health and Community Protection said that the public health situation in the UAE remains stable and that precautionary regulations are already in place across the country. These include disease surveillance, early detection mechanisms, airport screening procedures and healthcare preparedness measures.In a public bulletin issued on June 3, the ministry said the current Ebola outbreak remains largely concentrated in parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.The authorities stressed that they will continue to evaluate developments and implement further measures when necessary in line with approved health protocols and risk assessments.
