Cabinet has issued an immediate travel ban for non-South Africans from countries affected by the Ebola virus outbreak, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said on Thursday.

"A total travel ban for all non-citizens travelling from these high-risk countries (Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone), unless the travel is considered absolutely essential," he told reporters in Pretoria.

"For citizens of South Africa who wish to travel to these countries, they will be requested to delay their travel unless it is absolutely essential for them to travel."

He said South Africans coming from such West African countries would be subjected to a strict screening process, and medically examined if need be.

They would have to complete a comprehensive health questionnaire before being granted entry into the country.

"If the comprehensive medical and the temperature screening reveal something, they will have to subject themselves to a complete medical examination."

For people from medium- and low-risk countries, including Nigeria, Kenya and Ethiopia, the normal surveillance processes would continue.

Cabinet met in Cape Town on Wednesday.