The UAE authorities have announced additional precautionary entry measures for travellers arriving from selected African countries as part of ongoing efforts to enhance national preparedness against potential outbreaks of the Ebola virus. The measures have been jointly issued by the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).
The new measures apply to travellers arriving in the UAE who have recently been present in:
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Uganda
- South Sudan
Travellers who have remained outside the above-listed countries for more than 21 consecutive days prior to their arrival in the UAE will be exempt from these restrictions and permitted entry, subject to meeting all other applicable immigration and entry requirements.
The measures will take effect from: 6 June 2026 at 1:00 PM (UAE Time)
The UAE authorities have advised that these measures may be extended or amended depending on developments in the global public health situation.
Impact on Employers and Travellers
Organizations with employees travelling to or transiting through the affected countries should:
- Review upcoming travel plans and assess potential disruptions.
- Verify travel histories of affected travellers before arranging UAE entry.
- Consider alternative travel routes and schedules where appropriate.
- Monitor further announcements from UAE authorities for any updates or extensions to the measures.
This development reflects the UAE’s continued proactive approach to safeguarding public health and managing potential cross-border health risks. Employers and travellers should remain vigilant and ensure compliance with the latest entry requirements before commencing travel to the UAE. We will continue to monitor developments and provide further updates as additional guidance becomes available.
This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes.