United Arab Emirates Suspended Visas for Three Nations
The UAE halted new visa issuance and entry for travelers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Africa
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Beginning at 13:00 on June 6, 2026, the United Arab Emirates suspended all new visas for citizens of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan. The move also established an entry ban for travelers arriving from those countries, regardless of any transit through third-party locations.
Why it matters
The measures were implemented by the United Arab Emirates in response to the Ebola virus situation currently affecting Central and East Africa. These actions serve as a restrictive public health precaution to manage potential transmission risks.
The visa suspension impacts three African nations and applies to all categories of entry, including visit visas. The directive mandates an absolute entry ban for travelers arriving from these regions, even if they have transited through a third country.
The players
National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority
This is a UAE government entity responsible for overseeing national emergency responses and coordinating disaster management protocols.
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security
This agency manages immigration, residency, and customs operations at the borders of the United Arab Emirates.
The details
The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security jointly enforced the entry ban and visa halt. No exemptions to these travel and immigration restrictions were announced at the time of the implementation.
Timeline
The visa suspension and travel ban officially took effect at 13:00 on June 6, 2026.
Travel Outlook
This policy follows a pattern established by the 2003 SARS response protocols, where states utilized strict border closures and visa suspensions to contain the spread of infectious disease. These regional restrictions contrast with broader international efforts to maintain open tourism corridors.
Travelers holding citizenship in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan should assume all current entry applications to the UAE are invalid. International travelers should verify their transit routes, as the ban applies to anyone arriving from these countries regardless of their final stop.
The takeaway
Travel restrictions enacted for public health purposes remain active until government authorities issue a formal cancellation. Travelers are advised to monitor official UAE immigration portals for any updates regarding the lifting of these bans.
Further reading
For more information on travel updates across the region, see Africa.
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