DUBAI:- The UAE has suspended issuing new visas to citizens of three Ebola-affected countries – the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan.

UAE officials said they were suspending issuing new visas to citizens of those countries as a precaution to prevent the spread of the Ebola virus.

The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) on Friday announced additional precautionary measures to strengthen national preparedness and respond to developments related to the Ebola virus.

Travelers from the listed countries, including those traveling in transit through other countries, will be banned from entering the UAE.

Only passengers who have spent more than 21 days outside the listed countries before arriving in the UAE will be allowed entry. However, cargo flights between the UAE and the three countries will continue without any disruption. Transit flights will also continue without interruption, officials said.

NCEMA and ICP will continue to monitor developments related to the Ebola virus in coordination with local and international partners. They will also assess its impact in any other countries and take necessary measures in line with the risk assessment and approved health standards.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention said that the UAE continues to maintain careful preparedness measures against Ebola, including surveillance, early detection, airport preparedness and healthcare preparedness.