UAE lifts visa restrictions on Ugandans
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Eagle Online
The United Arab Emirates have lifted the suspension of new visas for Ugandan nationals, introduced after the Ebola outbreak. Entry remains conditional on 21 days spent outside Uganda before arrival, according to the Emirati authorities.
The United Arab Emirates have lifted restrictions on the issuing of new visas to Ugandan nationals, after a suspension introduced in June 2026 following the Ebola outbreak in the region, according to the UAE National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA).
Ugandan nationals must however have spent at least 21 days outside Uganda before entering the Emirates. Ugandan students already enrolled in Emirati institutions before June 2026 will be able to return with their families subject to approved health procedures, while administrative employees of the Ugandan embassy holding ordinary passports and their families will also be able to enter, Eagle Online reports.
Holders of Ugandan diplomatic and special passports are exempt from the general restrictions and remain subject to the health procedures applicable to their category. The Emirati authorities also plan humanitarian and medical exemptions, examined case by case. For patients coming for treatment, an approved medical file must in particular specify the diagnosis, the planned health facility and the start date of treatment.
