Saudi Arabia bans travel from Kenya over Ebola fears
The kingdom suspended citizen travel and halted all visa issuances due to nine confirmed cases.
Saudi Arabia has suspended travel for its citizens to Kenya and stopped issuing visas due to concerns over the Bundibugyo virus outbreak. The restrictions, announced on Friday, also ban entry for travellers who have stayed in Kenya or another Ebola-affected country within the 21 days prior to arrival.
These measures were introduced after Saudi health authorities assessed the Ebola situation, according to Saudi Gazette. The Kingdom’s Public Health Authority, Weqaya, stated the restrictions are precautionary to protect citizens, residents, and visitors from transmission risks. Saudi Arabia has previously imposed similar bans on countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan.
Kenya has confirmed nine Ebola cases, including two deaths, as of October 30. The outbreak is linked to a Kenyan man who travelled from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Health officials reported that two of seven patients in isolation tested negative in initial tests and await repeat testing, while the remaining five are stable. Kenya had also gone three days without reporting a new confirmed case.
Why it mattersTravel and visa restrictions imposed by Saudi Arabia directly affect Kenyans seeking to enter the kingdom.