Saudi Arabia has updated its tourist eVisa programme for 2026, limiting eligibility in Africa to only three countries as part of its list of 66 nations whose citizens can apply through the Kingdom’s online visa platform.

The move leaves most African countries, including Nigeria, outside the simplified entry scheme.

The electronic visa allows eligible travellers to visit Saudi Arabia for tourism, leisure activities, family visits and Umrah, excluding the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Applications are completed online, eliminating the need for embassy visits and lengthy visa processing.

Saudi authorities said the eVisa forms part of ongoing efforts to expand tourism, attract international visitors and simplify travel procedures through a fully digital application system. The visa is available only to citizens of approved countries and territories listed on the Kingdom’s official tourism portal.

Below is the list of African countries eligible for Saudi Arabia’s eVisa.

1. Mauritius

2. Seychelles

3. South Africa

Conference of the West African College of Physicians, WACP, has urged government at all levels to strengthen the health system or risk worsening the ongoing migration of skilled medical professionals, declining service delivery, and deepening pressures on already overstretched hospitals.

The position was made at a press conference held at the Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall, University of Ibadan on Monday, to formally announce activities marking the 50th Annual General and Scientific Conference of the West African College of Physicians, WACP, Nigeria Chapter.

WACP also highlighted systemic gaps in governance, funding, workforce retention, and healthcare delivery, while emphasising the need for reforms anchored on collaboration, innovation, and patient-centred care.

Speaking at the briefing, the Chairman of the Nigeria Chapter of WACP and Vice President of the College, Prof. Benjamin Uzochukwu, said Nigeria’s health system challenges cannot be solved by restrictive policies but by making local practice more attractive, functional, and sustainable.

Prof. Uzochukwu noted that while artificial intelligence is increasingly useful in modern medicine, especially in diagnosis, it cannot replace the empathy and judgment required in patient care.

He said: “For us and for me in particular, we should not rely solely on artificial intelligence. We must combine it with human intelligence.

“In our clinical practice, we have found that artificial intelligence is very helpful, particularly in diagnosis. However, when it comes to management, the human element is missing.

“Artificial intelligence will not say, ‘I’m sorry.’ However, a clinician’s empathy can help address the social aspects of a patient’s problem by saying, ‘I’m sorry. How are you doing?’ and so on.”

He, however, expressed concern over the continued migration of health workers abroad, warning that brain drain is weakening Nigeria’s healthcare system.

“Brain drain continues to strip our hospitals of experienced specialists,” he said, adding that inflation has further reduced the real value of healthcare workers’ earnings.

On past efforts to curb brain drain, he criticised restrictive measures that limited doctors’ access to international training opportunities, arguing that such policies were counterproductive.

“At one point, the Federal Government introduced a policy that indirectly prevented some doctors from travelling abroad to undertake specialist training. However, we do not believe that this is the appropriate approach.

“To curb brain drain, we must ensure that what we have within the country is sufficient, of high quality, and offers appropriate remuneration to sustain the health system.

“If we strengthen our health system, then anyone who visits a health facility will receive appropriate treatment and quality healthcare services.”

On how Nigeria’s health sector can be revitalised, he said: “We must allocate at least the agreed 15% of the national budget to health. At present, spending is below 6 percent.”

The Lagos State Government has urged residents of Eti-Osa, Ibeju-Lekki and Epe to remain alert and adopt preventive measures against Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, as part of efforts to safeguard public health.

A statement issued by the Lagos state government quoted the Permanent Secretary of Health District III, Dr. Monsurat Adeleke, as saying residents should remain vigilant and adopt preventive measures against Ebola Virus Disease.

According to Adeleke, Ebola Virus Disease is caused by Ebola viruses and can result in severe illness and death if not detected and managed promptly.

She explained that Health District III has intensified community sensitisation programmes aimed at reducing the risk of infection and protecting residents across the affected areas.

The Permanent Secretary noted that the disease spreads mainly through direct contact with the blood, saliva, vomit and other bodily fluids of infected persons or animals.

To prevent transmission, she advised residents to avoid contact with sick persons, dead bodies and wild animals such as bats and monkeys. She also urged members of the public to maintain proper personal hygiene, make regular use of hand sanitisers and avoid eating undercooked meat.

Adeleke stressed the importance of public awareness and adherence to safety measures, noting that prevention remains the most effective way to curb the spread of the disease.

“Although there is no confirmed Ebola outbreak in Nigeria at this time, vigilance, prompt reporting, adherence to infection prevention measures, and community awareness remain essential to protecting lives and preventing the spread of the disease. As such, Health District III is working with relevant agencies to strengthen surveillance, public awareness, and emergency preparedness across Eti-Osa, Ibeju-Lekki, and Epe,” she said.