In a decisive move to curb the spread of Ebola, Saudi Arabia's Public Health Authority has announced a comprehensive travel ban affecting both its citizens and Kenyan nationals. This decision follows Kenya's confirmation of its first Ebola case on October 6, linked to the ongoing epidemic in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

The new regulations, which were made public on October 30, 2026, prohibit Saudi citizens from travelling to Kenya and deny entry to travellers from Kenya, irrespective of their mode of arrival. This ban also extends to individuals who have transited through Kenya or any other Ebola-affected country within the previous 21 days.

The announcement comes as Saudi Arabia intensifies its efforts to manage the Ebola outbreak, which has already seen over 8,000 cases reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo, making it the second-largest Ebola outbreak in history. Prior to this, the Kingdom had already imposed travel restrictions in June 2026 for its citizens and residents travelling to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan.

Saudi Arabia's Public Health Authority, known as Weqaya, stated that these measures are part of a broader strategy to protect public health and ensure the safety of its citizens and residents. The authority emphasized that the health situation within Saudi Arabia remains stable and is under continuous surveillance.

In addition to the travel bans, Saudi Arabia has implemented various precautionary measures for incoming travellers from regions affected by Ebola. These include health screenings at entry points, epidemiological investigations, and protocols for early response to potential cases. Weqaya is closely monitoring developments both regionally and internationally, coordinating with relevant health agencies to adapt its response as necessary.

As the situation evolves, the Kingdom remains committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of its population, with plans for further preventive actions should the need arise. The travel restrictions highlight the serious nature of the Ebola threat and the proactive steps being taken by Saudi authorities to mitigate risks associated with the outbreak.