Archival Sense
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 16, 2025
- 310
- 225
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has suspended the issuance of all new visas for nationals from Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and South Sudan, a move that has left dozens of travelers stranded at Entebbe International Airport.
(video courtesy of Daily Monitor)
The restrictions took effect on Friday and were reportedly introduced in response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC, which health authorities say has continued to spread in the region.
Passengers affected by the suspension were turned away or forced to postpone their travel plans after learning that new visa applications from the three countries would no longer be processed under the new directive.
According to available public health data, the Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC had recorded 452 confirmed cases and 82 deaths as of June 5. The outbreak is centered in the country's eastern region, where health officials continue to battle transmission amid challenging humanitarian conditions.
In Uganda, the Ministry of Health has confirmed 19 Ebola cases and two deaths linked to the outbreak across the border. Authorities maintain that all cases have been identified through established contact tracing systems and that the situation remains under control.
Health officials have repeatedly emphasized that Uganda's cases are linked to cross-border transmission and that measures such as contact tracing, quarantine, and border lock-down have helped contain the spread of the disease.
The visa suspension is expected to affect business travelers, migrant workers, students, and tourists seeking entry into the UAE from the three affected countries.
Neither UAE authorities nor officials from the affected countries had immediately announced how long the restrictions would remain in force.
The development comes as governments across the region continue to strengthen public health surveillance and border controls in an effort to prevent further spread of the virus while minimizing disruptions to travel and trade.
The restrictions took effect on Friday and were reportedly introduced in response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC, which health authorities say has continued to spread in the region.
Passengers affected by the suspension were turned away or forced to postpone their travel plans after learning that new visa applications from the three countries would no longer be processed under the new directive.
According to available public health data, the Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC had recorded 452 confirmed cases and 82 deaths as of June 5. The outbreak is centered in the country's eastern region, where health officials continue to battle transmission amid challenging humanitarian conditions.
In Uganda, the Ministry of Health has confirmed 19 Ebola cases and two deaths linked to the outbreak across the border. Authorities maintain that all cases have been identified through established contact tracing systems and that the situation remains under control.
Health officials have repeatedly emphasized that Uganda's cases are linked to cross-border transmission and that measures such as contact tracing, quarantine, and border lock-down have helped contain the spread of the disease.
The visa suspension is expected to affect business travelers, migrant workers, students, and tourists seeking entry into the UAE from the three affected countries.
Neither UAE authorities nor officials from the affected countries had immediately announced how long the restrictions would remain in force.
The development comes as governments across the region continue to strengthen public health surveillance and border controls in an effort to prevent further spread of the virus while minimizing disruptions to travel and trade.
