Saudi Arabia Suspends Travel to Kenya, Bans Entry Over Ebola Concerns

RIYADH, Oct 30: Saudi Arabia has announced the suspension of travel to and entry from Kenya as part of additional precautionary measures against the Ebola virus, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported Friday.

The measures include suspending travel by Saudi citizens to Kenya and halting the issuance of all types of visas to Kenyan nationals and travelers from the country. Entry will also be prohibited for passengers arriving through third countries if they have stayed in Kenya or other Ebola-affected countries during the 21 days preceding their arrival.

The restrictions follow an assessment of the epidemiological situation by Saudi health authorities and build on preventive measures introduced in 2019 and strengthened in May. In June, the Kingdom also suspended travel to and entry from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan.

Saudi Arabia has additionally tightened health screening at entry points for travelers arriving from countries neighboring Ebola-affected areas, including epidemiological investigations and early-response measures.

The Saudi Public Health Authority, known as Weqaya, said the country's public health situation remains reassuring and is under continuous monitoring. It added that authorities are closely tracking regional and international developments and coordinating with relevant agencies to introduce further preventive measures when necessary.

Ebola is a severe viral disease transmitted through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of infected people. Symptoms include fever, vomiting and diarrhea, while severe cases can involve internal and external bleeding.