The UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has issued updated travel guidance for residents amid ongoing international monitoring of an Ebola outbreak, while reaffirming that no confirmed cases have been recorded in the country.

The ministry said the UAE’s public health situation remains stable and that authorities continue to maintain high levels of preparedness through enhanced surveillance, risk assessment and preventive measures.

What travellers need to know

MoHAP is urging residents travelling abroad to check the latest travel advisories before departure, follow health guidelines in their destination country and maintain good personal hygiene throughout their journey.

Travellers have also been advised to avoid contact with anyone showing symptoms of illness and to seek medical attention immediately if they develop symptoms after travel, while informing healthcare providers about their recent travel history.

The guidance comes after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised against non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan.

Ebola symptoms to watch for

According to the ministry, Ebola symptoms can appear between two and 21 days after exposure and may initially include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Weakness
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Sore throat
• Abdominal pain

In severe cases, the disease can lead to bleeding, organ failure and shock.

No vaccine for current strain

Health authorities noted that there is currently no licensed vaccine specifically approved for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola linked to the current outbreak.

The outbreak is primarily concentrated in parts of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

How Ebola spreads

MoHAP stressed that Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person, contaminated surfaces, infected animals or contaminated animal products.

The ministry also clarified that Ebola is not an airborne disease and does not spread like Covid-19 or influenza. Individuals are generally not contagious before symptoms develop.

UAE ready for emergencies

Reassuring residents, the ministry said the UAE continues to work closely with national and international health partners to monitor developments and implement precautionary measures aimed at protecting public health.

Officials reiterated that no Ebola cases have been detected in the UAE and encouraged residents to rely on official sources for health updates and travel advice.

The UAE has announced new precautionary travel measures affecting nationals and travellers from three African countries as part of its efforts to strengthen preparedness against the Ebola virus.

In a joint statement, the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) confirmed the suspension of all new visas for nationals of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan from 1pm on June 6.

The temporary measure applies to all visa categories, including visit visas, and may be extended depending on developments. Authorities clarified that cargo flights between the UAE and the affected countries will continue to operate as normal.

The agencies also announced that travellers arriving from the three countries will not be permitted to enter the UAE, including those travelling through third countries. However, an exception will apply to individuals who have remained outside the listed countries for more than 21 consecutive days before arriving in the UAE.

Transit flight operations through UAE airports will not be affected by the new measures.

The announcement comes as the UAE continues to monitor developments related to the Ebola virus and implement preventive measures aimed at protecting public health and maintaining national readiness.

Authorities said they are working closely with local and international partners to assess the evolving situation and will continue reviewing risks while taking any necessary actions in line with approved health protocols and international standards.

The latest measures follow recent confirmation from the Ministry of Health and Prevention that no Ebola cases have been detected in the UAE.

The UAE has confirmed that no Ebola infections have been recorded within the country, reassuring residents after reports emerged about a traveller who was diagnosed with the virus days after leaving the Emirates.

According to the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), the UAE’s health system remains on high alert with robust disease surveillance and response mechanisms in place to monitor global health developments and emerging infectious threats.

Officials explained that the individual in question had travelled through the UAE before later testing positive for Ebola upon arrival in Uganda. The ministry noted that the traveller did not seek medical treatment or visit any healthcare facility during their stay in the Emirates.

MoHAP emphasised that there is currently no public health risk within the UAE and confirmed that no Ebola cases have been detected nationwide.

Health authorities said they are maintaining close coordination with international partners, including the WHO, to track developments and evaluate any potential risks related to the situation.

As part of the country’s precautionary public health strategy, relevant authorities have already implemented established response measures, including risk assessments, contact tracing procedures and preventive protocols aligned with national guidelines and international best practices.

The ministry reiterated that the UAE’s disease monitoring systems remain highly effective and capable of responding rapidly to any potential health concerns.

Residents were also urged to rely on official announcements for accurate information and avoid spreading rumours or unverified reports on social media and messaging platforms.

Authorities stressed that public awareness, transparency and preparedness remain key pillars of the UAE’s approach to safeguarding community health and wellbeing.