UAE reopens visas to Ugandans, but Congo and South Sudan rules stay

The United Arab Emirates announced on 11 November 2026 that it is easing precautionary entry measures for Ugandan nationals, reopening the door to new visas that had been suspended. The rules were introduced in June 2026 in response to developments related to the Ebola virus.

The announcement came from the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), working with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).

Key facts

• Announced: 11 November 2026
• What changed: the suspension on issuing new visas to Ugandan nationals has been lifted
• Main entry condition: at least 21 days must have passed since the traveller departed Uganda
• Still restricted: nationals of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan
• Why: measures introduced in June 2026 in response to developments related to the Ebola virus

What is changing?

Ugandan nationals can again be issued new visas for the UAE and are permitted to enter the country, provided at least 21 days have elapsed since their departure from Uganda. The suspension had been in place since June 2026.

Who else can enter under the updated rules?

Ugandan students enrolled at educational institutions in the UAE before June 2026 may enter, together with their family members, in line with approved health procedures. The same applies to administrative staff at the Embassy of the Republic of Uganda in the UAE who hold ordinary passports, and to their family members, subject to approved procedures.

Holders of diplomatic and special passports issued by the Government of the Republic of Uganda are permitted to enter in line with the approved health procedures for exempted categories, in coordination with the relevant authorities.

What about medical travel?

Humanitarian and medical cases are assessed individually under approved regulations and in coordination with the relevant authorities. Travellers coming to the UAE for treatment must submit approved medical reports stating their diagnosis, the healthcare facility where treatment will take place, and the scheduled date treatment is due to begin, depending on the circumstances of each case.

Which countries remain restricted?

The precautionary measures currently applied to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of South Sudan stay in effect, under approved regulations and ongoing monitoring of the epidemiological situation in both countries. The source does not state exactly what those measures are.

What this means for travellers

Ugandan passport holders planning UAE travel should factor in the 21-day gap between leaving Uganda and entering the UAE. Students, embassy staff and passport holders in the exempt categories should check the health procedures that apply to them, and medical travellers should have the required reports ready before they travel. Nationals of Congo and South Sudan will need to wait for further changes.

NCEMA, MoHAP and ICP said the measures reflect the UAE's commitment to protecting public health and responding to health risks, and that they will continue monitoring the epidemiological situation and update the measures in line with emerging developments and risk assessments.