Saudi Visa Ban for Kenya Travellers: Work Visa Holders Also Affected (Ebola Rule)

Updated 2 November 2026. Based on the Saudi announcement of 30 October 2026.

If you’re preparing to take up a job in Saudi Arabia, having a visa and confirmed ticket may not be enough right now. Your recent travel history and whether your flight is operating can also affect the trip.

The Saudi Press Agency says Saudi Arabia has stopped issuing all visa types to people arriving from Kenya. The entry restriction also covers travellers who come through another country after staying in Kenya or another Ebola-affected country during the previous 21 days.

Who Could Be Affected

The rule is linked to where you have recently stayed, not simply the passport you hold. The official announcement does not describe it as a blanket ban based only on Kenyan nationality.

For example, if you’re an Indian worker who has been staying in Kenya and plans to reach Saudi Arabia through a connecting country, the connection does not automatically remove the restriction. Your stay in Kenya during the previous 21 days can still be considered.

Saudi Arabia had already announced similar visa and entry restrictions for travel linked to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan on June 25, 2026. Travellers arriving from Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania and Congo-Brazzaville are instead subject to enhanced screening and health-surveillance measures under the announced rules.

The Kenya announcement also suspends travel by Saudi citizens to Kenya. That part mainly concerns Saudi nationals, but expat workers should focus on the visa, entry and recent-travel conditions that may affect their own trip.

Do Not Assume a Work Visa Is Exempt

The Kenya measure covers all visa types. The announcement does not state a general exemption for employment-visa holders, recruited workers or Umrah travellers.

If you already hold a Saudi employment visa, do not assume that it guarantees entry after a recent stay in one of the affected countries. Ask the Saudi embassy and your airline to confirm whether you can travel based on your nationality, visa purpose, route and travel history.

You should provide accurate details about every country where you stayed during the previous 21 days. Include transit points as well, because travelling through a third country does not by itself remove the Kenya-linked restriction.

Checklist Before Going to the Airport

1. Check your recent travel: Confirm whether you stayed in Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda or South Sudan during the previous 21 days.
2. Confirm your case: Give the Saudi embassy and airline your nationality, visa type, travel purpose and full route.
3. Check the operating flight: Confirm the flight number, departure airport, arrival airport and any connection directly with the operating airline.
4. Recheck on travel day: Flight schedules can change at short notice, so verify the schedule and booking again before leaving for the airport.
5. Keep your booking details ready: Make sure you can quickly contact the airline or booking agent if the schedule changes.

If Your Flight Is Cancelled

Contact the airline or booking agent about rebooking or a refund before buying another ticket. Purchasing a separate replacement flight first could leave you with two bookings while your original refund or rebooking request is still unresolved.

Start by asking your airline and the Saudi embassy to confirm your entry position before you travel.

Sources

• Asharq Al-Awsat: Saudi Arabia suspends travel to and from Kenya as precaution against Ebola (citing Saudi Press Agency, 30 Oct 2026)
• Saudi Ministry of Health: entry suspended for travellers from three African countries over Ebola (25 Jun 2026)

Rules like this can change quickly. Always confirm with the Saudi embassy and your airline before you travel.