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.

Patients travelling to Dubai for medical treatment could soon enjoy a faster and more seamless experience under a new partnership between the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai) and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).

The two entities have signed an agreement aimed at streamlining medical visa procedures and improving the patient journey from arrival to recovery.

Under the partnership, healthcare and residency services will be more closely integrated, making it easier for international patients to access treatment in Dubai. The initiative will also strengthen coordination between visa processing, healthcare providers and insurance systems.

A key focus is on enhancing digital integration between the two organisations, allowing medical visa applications to be processed more efficiently through the Dubai Health Experience network.

Officials said the collaboration could pave the way for future innovations, including a smart medical visa and proactive digital services designed to support patients throughout their treatment journey.

Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA Dubai, said the partnership reflects Dubai’s vision of creating connected government services that put people first.

Meanwhile, Dr Alawi Sheikh Ali, Director General of the DHA, said health tourism is about more than medical care, adding that accessibility, convenience and quality of service are equally important parts of the patient experience.

The initiative supports Dubai’s broader ambitions to strengthen its position as a global healthcare and medical tourism destination while delivering faster, smarter and more integrated services for visitors seeking treatment in the emirate.