(JUBA) – The United Arab Emirates has temporarily suspended the issuance of new visas for nationals of South Sudan, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo as part of new measures aimed at preventing the spread of Ebola.
The restrictions, which took effect on June 6, 2026, also block travellers arriving from the three countries from entering the UAE, including passengers travelling through third countries.
Authorities in the Emirates said entry will only be allowed for individuals who have remained outside the affected countries for more than 21 days before arriving in the UAE.
The decision was announced jointly by the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security.
For South Sudan, the suspension is expected to affect workers, business travellers, students, and families who rely on travel links with the Gulf state.
The UAE is an important destination for many South Sudanese workers and traders involved in construction, retail, logistics, hospitality, and small scale import businesses.
The restrictions may also affect travel plans for South Sudanese citizens using Dubai as a transit hub for flights to Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
UAE authorities said the measures were introduced to strengthen national preparedness following Ebola outbreaks reported in parts of Central and East Africa.
In a public advisory issued on June 3, 2026, the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention said Ebola outbreaks remained largely concentrated in parts of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Although South Sudan was not specifically identified in the ministry’s outbreak advisory, the country was included in the wider travel restrictions announced by authorities.
The move comes as governments around the world continue tightening health monitoring systems to prevent the international spread of Ebola.
The World Health Organisation has previously classified Ebola outbreaks in the region as public health emergencies, prompting increased screening and travel controls in several countries.
Under the new UAE rules, travellers arriving from South Sudan, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo will not be permitted entry even if they transit through another country before reaching the Emirates.
The only exemption applies to individuals who can prove they have remained outside the affected countries for more than 21 consecutive days before arrival.
Health officials said the 21 day period reflects the maximum incubation period associated with Ebola infections.
Authorities in the UAE said cargo operations between the Emirates and the affected countries would continue without interruption.
Transit flights and cargo services will still operate normally, allowing airlines to continue freight operations and refuelling stops within the UAE.
The continuation of cargo services is important for businesses in South Sudan that rely on imported goods moving through Gulf trade routes.
The UAE remains a major regional logistics and re export centre for electronics, machinery, household goods, construction materials, textiles, and consumer products shipped into East Africa.
Officials said the visa suspension would remain in place until further notice and could be extended depending on future public health assessments.
Authorities added that they would continue monitoring developments in coordination with international and domestic health agencies.
The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention said the country’s public health systems remain stable and that precautionary measures are already active across airports and border points.
South Sudanese nationals who have remained outside South Sudan for more than 21 days may still be allowed entry into the UAE if they can provide documentation confirming their travel history.
However, individuals who have been in South Sudan within the previous three weeks will not be allowed to enter the Emirates under the new measures.
Travellers planning to connect through the UAE to other destinations have been advised to contact airlines and seek alternative travel routes that do not require entry or transit through the country.
The announcement comes at a time when labour migration and overseas employment remain important income sources for many South Sudanese households.
Any prolonged restrictions on travel to Gulf labour markets could affect employment opportunities, remittance flows, and regional business travel linked to South Sudan’s economy.
In a separate development, Kuwait recently introduced new visa sponsorship rules affecting foreign domestic workers and drivers, including workers from East Africa.
The new Kuwaiti system places limits on the number of workers that can be sponsored depending on family status and household size.
The digital recruitment platform, launched through Kuwait’s government application known as Sahel, is intended to simplify recruitment procedures and improve efficiency in the labour market.
However, analysts say the tighter sponsorship rules could reduce demand for migrant workers from labour exporting countries across East Africa, including South Sudan and Kenya.