The United Arab Emirates is tightening its entry requirements amid developments related to the Ebola virus in Central and East Africa.
In a statement issued on June 5, 2026, the UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) announced the implementation of “additional precautionary measures” for travelers arriving from several countries.
The measures apply to arrivals from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan. According to UAE authorities, they are part of efforts to strengthen national preparedness against the Ebola virus.
New visa suspension and entry restrictions
Starting Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., the United Arab Emirates will suspend the issuance of all new visas for nationals of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, including visit visas.
The measures also include rules tied to travelers’ itineraries. Entry into the UAE will be restricted for people arriving from any of the three countries, including those who transit through another country before traveling to the Emirates.
To be admitted, affected travelers must have spent more than 21 days outside the three countries before arriving in the UAE.
In a statement shared on its social media channels, NCEMA said the measures are being taken “as part of strengthening preparedness to deal with the Ebola virus.” The authority also said the measures are intended to protect public health and strengthen national readiness.
UAE authorities said cargo flights between the United Arab Emirates and the three countries will continue without interruption.
Transit flights will also continue. That clarification suggests the restrictions apply primarily to entry into the UAE, rather than to all air operations linked to the countries concerned.
The decision may be extended depending on how the health situation develops, according to information released by the authorities.
A measure that follows restrictions already adopted by other countries
The United Arab Emirates joins several countries that have recently tightened health screenings or entry conditions for travelers coming from countries affected by Ebola.
Since late May, several governments have announced temporary restrictions, enhanced health checks on arrival or limits targeting travelers who recently stayed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda or South Sudan.
Affected travelers are therefore advised to check their eligibility before any trip to the United Arab Emirates, including itineraries involving a stopover in a third country. Travelers who already hold a visa or plan to apply soon should also contact their airline or the relevant UAE authorities to confirm the requirements that apply to their specific situation.
