UAE Bars Entry for Travellers From Ebola-Affected African Nations
The UAE has imposed entry restrictions on travellers from DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan over Ebola, with a 21-day exemption rule.
The United Arab Emirates has announced new travel restrictions affecting passengers who have recently visited three African nations grappling with Ebola outbreaks. The move, communicated by national carrier Emirates, bars entry to travellers who have been in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan.
The restrictions apply to all travellers, including those arriving via indirect routes, and are not limited to direct flights. However, an exemption exists for individuals who have spent more than 21 days outside the affected countries before attempting to enter the UAE. This period aligns with the maximum incubation time for the Ebola virus.
Travellers merely transiting through the UAE are also subject to these measures. Emirates has clarified that such passengers must comply with the entry requirements of their final destination, meaning the airline will enforce the rules based on where a traveller is ultimately headed.
The decision reflects heightened global concern over the spread of Ebola in the region. Health authorities have been monitoring the situation closely, and the UAE's proactive stance aims to prevent the virus from reaching its borders. Passengers planning journeys from or through these countries are advised to review their itineraries and check eligibility before travelling.