JUBA – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has advised its citizens and residents to avoid non-essential travel to South Sudan, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) amid growing concerns over the Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in the East African region.
In a statement issued by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government urged travellers to refrain from visiting the three countries unless necessary, citing evolving public health developments related to Ebola.
“UAE nationals and residents are advised against travel to the Republic of Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Republic of South Sudan unless necessary,” the ministry said.
The advisory comes despite the fact that no Ebola cases have been officially reported in South Sudan. However, health authorities across the region remain on high alert due to outbreaks and cross-border movements that could increase the risk of transmission.
The UAE also called on its citizens currently residing in or visiting the affected countries to exercise extreme caution and follow health and safety guidelines issued by local authorities.
The ministry further urged Emiratis in the three countries to register in the government’s Twajudi (“I’m Here”) service, which enables authorities to provide assistance and maintain communication with citizens abroad during emergencies.
“UAE nationals currently present in these countries are urged to exercise the utmost caution, follow health and safety instructions issued by local authorities, register in the Twajudi service, and contact the Ministry in case of emergencies,” the statement added.
The UAE’s advisory is the latest in a series of international measures targeting countries considered at risk of Ebola transmission in the region.
In recent weeks, the United States imposed temporary travel restrictions affecting travellers from South Sudan, Uganda, and the DRC following the World Health Organization’s declaration of Ebola as a public health emergency of international concern. Bahrain subsequently announced a 30-day entry restriction on travellers from the three countries, while Canada recently introduced a 90-day travel measure aimed at reducing the risk of cross-border transmission.
South Sudanese authorities have repeatedly maintained that no Ebola cases have been detected within the country. The government, working with international health partners, has intensified surveillance at border crossings, airports, and health facilities to prevent any potential importation of the virus.
Public health experts have warned that South Sudan remains vulnerable due to its porous borders with Uganda and the DRC, where population movements are frequent. As a result, neighbouring countries and international partners continue to monitor the situation closely while strengthening preparedness and response mechanisms.
The latest advisory underscores growing international caution as governments seek to prevent the spread of Ebola across borders while regional health authorities work to contain the outbreak.
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