The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced additional precautionary measures for travelers arriving from three African countries as part of efforts to prevent the potential spread of the Ebola virus.
The measures, introduced jointly by the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), apply to travelers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan.
According to the authorities, the move is part of the UAE’s preventive strategy to strengthen public health preparedness and respond proactively to developments related to Ebola outbreaks.
Under the new rules, the UAE will suspend the issuance of new visas, including visit visas, for nationals of the three countries. Entry restrictions will also apply to travelers arriving from these countries, including those who transit through other destinations before reaching the UAE.
Authorities said individuals who have remained outside the listed countries for more than 21 consecutive days before traveling to the UAE will be exempt from the restrictions and allowed to enter.
The measures will take effect at 1 p.m. on June 6 and may be extended depending on the global health situation. Despite the restrictions, cargo operations and transit flights between the UAE and the affected countries will continue without interruption.
The UAE said it will continue monitoring international health developments and may introduce additional measures if required under approved health and risk assessment protocols.