NAIROBI, Kenya — Israel has imposed travel restrictions on nationals from five African countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), citing concerns over the spread of Ebola in parts of the region.
The directive, issued by Israel’s Border Control Department on June 10, 2026, prohibits affected foreign nationals from boarding flights destined for Israel and introduces additional screening requirements for international travellers.
According to the notice circulated to airlines, the restrictions also apply to foreign citizens of any nationality who have visited any of the listed countries within 21 days before their intended travel to Israel.
“Following the outbreak of the Ebola virus, effective from the receipt of this notice, you are prohibited from boarding foreign passengers who meet the criteria specified below on flights bound for Israel,” the notice stated.
Airlines have been instructed to verify passengers’ recent travel histories and deny boarding to anyone who falls within the scope of the directive.
Travellers with recent visits also affected
Under the new measures, travellers who are not citizens of the affected countries may still be barred from entering Israel if they have recently travelled through Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan or the DRC.
The Israeli authorities said the restrictions are intended to reduce the risk of importing Ebola cases as governments worldwide strengthen disease surveillance and border health controls.
However, the directive exempts Israeli citizens and permanent residents.
“For the avoidance of doubt, this directive does not apply to Israeli citizens or Israeli residents,” the Border Control Department clarified.
Israeli nationals returning from the affected countries may still be subject to health screening and other public health protocols upon arrival.
Part of broader Ebola prevention measures
The restrictions come amid heightened international concern over Ebola transmission in parts of Central and East Africa.
Governments across several regions have intensified health monitoring measures at airports, land border crossings and seaports as authorities seek to prevent cross-border spread of the virus.
Also Read: WHO criticises travel restrictions imposed on Uganda over Ebola
Ebola is a severe viral disease that spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated materials. Symptoms can include fever, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in severe cases, internal and external bleeding.
Health experts have emphasised the importance of early detection, contact tracing and strict infection-prevention measures in containing outbreaks.
Growing global travel restrictions
Israel joins a growing list of countries that have introduced travel-related precautions in response to Ebola concerns.
Several governments, including the United States and the United Arab Emirates, have recently strengthened screening procedures and implemented restrictions affecting travellers arriving from areas considered at elevated risk.
Public health authorities continue to monitor developments closely as regional governments step up preparedness measures, surveillance systems and emergency response capabilities.
The Israeli government has not specified when the restrictions will be lifted, indicating that the measures will remain under review and may be adjusted depending on the evolution of the Ebola situation.
The travel directive is expected to affect passengers planning trips for business, tourism, education and other purposes, particularly those transiting through or residing in the affected countries.
