By The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has lifted its suspension on issuing new visas to Ugandan nationals, allowing travellers from Uganda to resume entry into the country subject to revised health requirements.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, by the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).
Under the revised measures, Ugandans can now obtain new UAE visas and enter the country provided they have spent at least 21 days outside Uganda before arrival.
The restrictions were introduced in June 2026 as part of the UAE’s precautionary measures following developments related to the Ebola virus.
Students and diplomatic personnel exempted
The updated guidelines also provide for the entry of Ugandan students who were enrolled in UAE educational institutions before June 2026, together with their family members, subject to approved health procedures.
Administrative staff at the Uganda Embassy in the UAE holding ordinary passports will also be permitted to enter, alongside their families.
Holders of diplomatic and special passports issued by the Ugandan Government will similarly qualify for entry under the approved health procedures for exempted categories.
Medical and humanitarian cases
Medical and humanitarian applications will be assessed individually in coordination with the relevant authorities.
Ugandans travelling to the UAE for medical treatment will be required to present approved medical reports indicating their diagnosis, the healthcare facility where they intend to receive treatment and the scheduled commencement date for their treatment.
Meanwhile, the UAE confirmed that precautionary restrictions affecting nationals of the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan remain in force.
NCEMA, MoHAP and ICP said they would continue monitoring the regional health situation and reviewing entry requirements in line with emerging developments and public health risk assessments.
The latest announcement offers relief to Ugandans travelling to the UAE for employment, business, education, family visits and other purposes following months of restrictions.
