Kenyans hit by Saudi entry block over Ebola fears

More Than 300 Kenyan Travellers Stranded as Saudi Arabia Blocks Entry Over Ebola Fears

More than 300 Kenyan jobseekers have been forced to return home after Saudi Arabian authorities denied them entry over concerns linked to an ongoing Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa. The decision has disrupted employment plans and raised questions about the travel restrictions affecting people moving between Kenya and the Gulf region.

According to The Standard, the affected travellers had travelled to Saudi Arabia on October 30, 2026, with valid employment visas. However, they were refused entry and subsequently repatriated, arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on November 2.

Some of the returning workers reportedly spent two days stranded while arrangements were made for their return. The situation has caused concern among recruitment agencies, particularly those with other applicants scheduled to travel for employment.

The restrictions followed Saudi Arabia's October 30 announcement of additional precautionary measures against the spread of Ebola. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the measures include suspending travel by Saudi citizens to Kenya, stopping visa issuance for travellers arriving from Kenya and refusing entry to people arriving directly from Kenya.

The restrictions also cover travellers arriving through third countries if they have stayed in Kenya or another country experiencing an active Ebola outbreak within the 21 days before reaching Saudi Arabia.

The decision comes amid an Ebola outbreak involving the Bundibugyo virus. Kenya reported an imported case in October, followed by additional infections linked to the initial case.

In its November 3 update, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) reported nine confirmed cases and two deaths in Kenya. The organisation said all the infections were epidemiologically linked to a single imported case. It also reported that Kenya had not recorded a new confirmed case since October 19.

Africa CDC acknowledged Saudi Arabia's responsibility to protect public health but called for a review of the restrictions, arguing that travel measures should be based on scientific evidence and proportionate assessments of health risks.

The situation has created uncertainty for Kenyan workers, recruitment agencies and families who depend on overseas employment opportunities. It has also highlighted the importance of understanding changing international travel requirements before purchasing tickets or departing for another country.

What Travellers Should Confirm Before Flying

People planning to travel from Kenya to Saudi Arabia should take several precautions before making their journeys.

First, they should contact the Saudi Arabian embassy or relevant immigration authorities to confirm the latest entry requirements and whether restrictions apply to their travel history.

Second, travellers should contact their airlines to establish whether their flights are operating and whether they will be permitted to board. Those travelling through another country should also confirm whether transit arrangements affect their eligibility.

Additionally, people travelling for employment should verify their visa status and obtain clear guidance from their employers and recruitment agencies. Having a previously approved visa or confirmed flight ticket should not automatically be taken as confirmation that entry will be permitted under newly introduced restrictions.

Travellers should also check official government travel advisories before departure and clarify available refund or rescheduling arrangements if their journeys are affected.

As discussions continue between Kenya and Saudi Arabia over the restrictions, affected travellers are advised to rely on official updates rather than assumptions or unverified social media reports.

For now, confirming entry requirements before flying remains essential for anyone planning to travel to Saudi Arabia.