Late on 27 July 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) updated its travel guidance, strongly advising UAE nationals and residents to postpone non-essential trips to Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and South Sudan due to escalating Ebola outbreaks. The advisory came as health authorities in Kinshasa confirmed more than 3,200 cases, making it the largest resurgence since 2024. While the notice does not impose an outright ban, MoFA warned that travellers who choose to proceed may face sudden border closures, quarantine requirements and limited medical facilities. UAE residents currently in the three countries are urged to register on the Twajudi consular platform and maintain regular contact with the nearest UAE mission. Airlines have reacted quickly: Emirates and Etihad continue to accept passengers from the affected states only if they have been outside those countries for at least 21 days, aligning with the UAE’s 6 June entry-restriction directive. Cargo operations remain unaffected at this stage, but logistics providers are monitoring the situation for possible route diversions. Global mobility teams should conduct immediate risk assessments for employees scheduled to travel to Central Africa, ensure evacuation cover is in place and consider delaying non-critical site visits. Organisations with regional hubs in Dubai should brief staff that re-entry could be denied if their passports show recent stamps from the listed countries. MoFA will continue to review the advisory in coordination with MoHAP and the World Health Organisation; any changes will be posted on the ministry’s website and social-media feeds.
Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)
