The UAE has lifted the suspension on new visas to Ugandan nationals, more than a month after travel restrictions were introduced in response to an Ebola outbreak. The easing, announced jointly by NCEMA, the Ministry of Health and Prevention, and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, comes with conditions attached.
Ugandan nationals may now enter the UAE provided at least 21 days have passed since leaving Uganda. Students enrolled at UAE institutions before June 2026 are permitted to return, along with their immediate family members, subject to approved health procedures.
Administrative staff at the Ugandan embassy holding ordinary passports, as well as their families, are also covered. Holders of Ugandan diplomatic and special passports will be processed under procedures applicable to exempted categories, in coordination with relevant authorities.
Humanitarian and medical cases will be assessed individually. Those travelling for treatment must submit approved medical reports stating their diagnosis, the name of the treating facility, and a scheduled start date for treatment.
The authorities confirmed that precautionary measures for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of South Sudan remain in place, with ongoing monitoring of the epidemiological situation in both countries.
NCEMA said the updated measures reflect the UAE’s commitment to public health protection and pandemic preparedness, and that all restrictions will continue to be reviewed in line with risk assessments and emerging developments.
