As per reports, thte United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced strict new precautionary immigration and travel measures targeting arrivals from three African nations following developments concerning the Ebola virus. Effective from 1300 hours local time on Saturday (06 June), the UAE has suspended the issuance of all new visas for nationals of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the Republic of Uganda, and the Republic of South Sudan.

• The joint directive was issued by the UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).
• The suspension covers all categories of new entry permits, including tourist and visit visas.
• In addition to the visa freeze, travelers directly arriving from or who have recently traveled through the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan will be denied entry into the UAE.
• This entry ban extends to passengers utilizing indirect routes or transiting through third countries before arriving at UAE border checkpoints.
• Exception protocols dictate that travelers originating from these three countries will only be permitted entry if they have spent a minimum of 21 consecutive days in a non-listed third country prior to their arrival in the UAE.
• Authorities clarified that the restrictions are subject to ongoing review and may be extended depending on how the epidemiological health situation develops.