UAE reopens visas for Ugandans, but requires 21 days outside Uganda first

The United Arab Emirates has lifted its suspension of new visa applications for Ugandan nationals, reversing emergency travel measures introduced in July after an Ebola outbreak in Uganda. The change was announced on Wednesday by the UAE's National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).

Key facts

• Announced: Wednesday, 11 November 2026
• What changed: the suspension of new UAE visas for Ugandans has been lifted
• Main condition: travellers must have spent at least 21 days outside Uganda before arriving in the UAE
• Still restricted: the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan remain subject to the UAE's travel restrictions
• Exemptions: certain students, Ugandan Embassy staff and their families, and officials on diplomatic or special passports

What is changing?

Ugandan nationals can once again apply for new visas to the UAE. However, the general rule is that a traveller must have been outside Uganda for at least 21 days before arriving in the UAE.

The restrictions being eased were imposed in July and covered Uganda along with two other African countries, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan. Those two countries remain subject to the UAE's travel restrictions.

Who is exempt from the rules?

Several groups of Ugandans qualify for exemptions. Students who were already enrolled at UAE institutions before June 2026 may return and bring family members with them, provided they follow the required health procedures.

Administrative employees of the Ugandan Embassy in the UAE who hold ordinary passports are also covered, along with their relatives. Ugandan government officials travelling on diplomatic or special passports will be allowed in as well, with entry handled under the health rules for exempted travellers and in coordination with the relevant authorities.

What about medical and humanitarian travel?

People travelling to the UAE for urgent medical or humanitarian reasons will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Those seeking medical treatment must provide official medical documents showing their condition, the hospital or healthcare centre where they will be treated, and the expected date their treatment will begin.

Even with the visa suspension lifted, some health-related conditions remain in place for travellers entering the UAE.

Why were the restrictions introduced?

The UAE imposed the emergency visa and travel measures in July following an Ebola outbreak in Uganda that began in mid-May. The outbreak infected 20 people and killed two before it was contained through monitoring, contact tracing and treatment. Of the 20 infections, 15 were linked to cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Uganda declared an end to the epidemic in July after completing the mandated monitoring period without new cases. Health Minister Chris Baryomunsi said "no new Ebola cases have been detected" during that period.

What this means for travellers

Ugandan passport holders planning a trip to the UAE should check whether they fall into an exempted group before making plans. Those who do not qualify for an exemption need to allow for at least 21 days outside Uganda before arriving, and should factor that into booking arrangements. Medical travellers should prepare their documentation in advance, since applications are assessed individually.

No further changes have been announced for the Democratic Republic of the Congo or South Sudan, which remain under the UAE's travel restrictions.