Saudi Arabia has suspended the issuance of all visa categories to travellers from Kenya and barred entry to passengers arriving from the country, disrupting travel between the two markets following concerns over the Ebola outbreak.
The restrictions, announced on October 30 following an assessment by Saudi health authorities, also suspend travel by Saudi citizens to Kenya, introducing new uncertainty for passengers travelling between the two countries for business, religious purposes, employment and family visits.
Under the measures, travellers arriving in Saudi Arabia through third countries are also barred from entry if they have stayed in Kenya or another country experiencing an Ebola outbreak within the 21 days preceding their arrival.
The provision means that routing through another destination does not automatically exempt passengers from the restrictions. It also places additional responsibility on airlines and travel agents to establish passengers’ recent travel histories before confirming their journeys.
The decision was reported by Saudi Gazette following an announcement by the Saudi authorities. The Saudi Public Health Authority, known as Weqaya, said the measures were part of continued monitoring of regional and international health developments and that the health situation within the Kingdom remained stable.
The restrictions come as Kenya manages an outbreak of Bundibugyo virus disease, a strain of Ebola.
The World Health Organisation (WHO), in its October 23 situation update, reported nine confirmed cases in Kenya, including one death, as of October 20. The eight additional cases were linked to the initial imported case, with no evidence of transmission outside the identified cluster at the time.
Kenya’s Ministry of Health subsequently reported on October 30 that the country had gone 10 days without recording a new infection. All nine confirmed cases were linked to the same cluster, while authorities continued monitoring contacts and implementing containment measures.
The development presents a challenge for Kenya’s aviation and travel industry, particularly agencies handling Saudi-bound passengers. The market serves several travel segments, including business, employment, religious travel and visits to family members.
For travel agents, the immediate concern is the treatment of existing bookings, newly issued tickets and passengers whose travel dates fall within the restriction period. Agencies will need to establish the applicable arrangements with airlines and verify entry eligibility before issuing or changing tickets.
The 21-day provision also complicates itinerary planning for passengers connecting through other international hubs. A change of departure point will not overcome the restriction where the passenger’s recent presence in Kenya or another affected country remains within the specified period.
Saudi Arabia has previously introduced similar measures involving the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan in June 2026, extending its precautionary approach to countries considered to face Ebola-related risks.
The WHO, however, has advised against restrictions on travel and trade with affected countries, favouring coordinated surveillance, early detection and public health preparedness.
For Kenya, the Saudi decision underscores how a public-health event can quickly extend beyond the health sector, affecting international connectivity, tourism and commercial relationships.
The duration of the restrictions and the conditions for their removal had not been specified in the announcement, leaving airlines, travel agencies and affected passengers awaiting further guidance from Saudi authorities.
Source: saudigazette.com