UAE lifts visa restrictions on Ugandan nationals

Authorities in the UAE have announced the lifting of visa restrictions on Ugandan nationals that were introduced on June 6 in response to developments related to the ebola virus.

An update from the National Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA), in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Prevention and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, was published on Wednesday. 

Under the new measures, Ugandans can apply for UAE visas and enter the country provided they spend at least 21 days out of Uganda.

Entry will also be permitted to Ugandan students enrolled in UAE educational institutions before June 2026, along with their family members, and administrative staff at the Ugandan Embassy in the UAE holding ordinary passports as long as they meet the approved health procedures.

This will also extend to holders of diplomatic and special passports issued by the Ugandan government under exempted categories.

As for humanitarian and medical cases, each case will be considered individually, in accordance with the approved controls and in coordination with the competent authorities. Those coming to the country for treatment are required to submit approved medical reports that include the diagnosis, the name of the healthcare facility where they will receive treatment, and the specific date of treatment.

Meanwhile, the precautionary measures currently in place for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan will remain in effect.

The authorities will continue to monitor the epidemiological situation and update precautionary measures in line with emerging developments and risk assessments.