When did the visa suspension come into effect?

The suspension became effective on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 13:00.

Does the ban apply if a traveller transits through another country?

Yes, the ban applies to any traveller arriving from the affected countries, regardless of whether they transited through a third country.

What is the reason for the UAE's visa suspension?

The measure is a precautionary step taken due to the ongoing Ebola virus situation in Central and East Africa.

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Residency·18 October 2026

UAE Suspends Visas for Nationals of DR Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan

The UAE has suspended all new visa issuances and entry for nationals of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan, citing ongoing Ebola concerns.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced the suspension of all new visa applications and entry for citizens of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan. This precautionary measure, which took effect on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 13:00, was jointly announced by the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).

Scope of the Suspension

The suspension applies to all categories of new visas, including visit visas, for nationals of the three affected countries. Crucially, the directive also bars entry for any traveller arriving from these nations, even if they have transited through a third country prior to reaching the UAE. No exemptions were specified in the announcement.

Rationale Behind the Decision

NCEMA and ICP stated that these measures are precautionary and directly linked to the ongoing Ebola virus situation in Central and East Africa. The Democratic Republic of Congo has a history of Ebola outbreaks, and Uganda and South Sudan share borders with the country, raising regional health concerns.

At present, the authorities have not indicated a specific end date for the visa suspension or entry ban, nor have they outlined the conditions under which these measures would be lifted.

Frequently asked

Questions, answered

Which countries are affected by the UAE's visa suspension?: The UAE has suspended new visas and entry for nationals of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan.
When did the visa suspension come into effect?: The suspension became effective on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 13:00.
Does the ban apply if a traveller transits through another country?: Yes, the ban applies to any traveller arriving from the affected countries, regardless of whether they transited through a third country.
What is the reason for the UAE's visa suspension?: The measure is a precautionary step taken due to the ongoing Ebola virus situation in Central and East Africa.
Which authorities announced this visa suspension?: The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) jointly announced the measures.

Reported by

Google News — UAE Visa & Residency

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This brief was summarised and rewritten by Gaia Living from public reporting. Figures and details reflect the original sources.

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