The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has lifted its suspension on issuing new visas to Ugandan nationals, allowing them to resume travel to the Gulf country under revised health requirements, including a mandatory 21-day waiting period after leaving Uganda.
The decision reverses restrictions introduced in June 2026 over concerns about the Ebola outbreak and offers relief to Ugandans seeking to travel to the UAE for employment, education, business and other purposes.
The UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) announced the revised measures on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Prevention and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security.
Under the new arrangements, Ugandans can apply for visas and enter the UAE once at least 21 days have elapsed since their departure from Uganda.
This means that securing a visa does not automatically grant immediate entry into the country, as travellers must first fulfil the mandatory waiting period.
However, the UAE has provided exemptions for specific categories, including students, diplomatic passport holders, Uganda’s embassy employees and individuals travelling for medical or humanitarian reasons.
Ugandan students who enrolled in UAE educational institutions before June 2026 will be allowed to return and continue their studies. Their family members will also qualify for entry, subject to approved health procedures.
Administrative employees of Uganda’s embassy in the UAE holding ordinary passports will similarly be permitted to enter alongside their families.
Ugandan government officials travelling on diplomatic and special passports are also covered by the exemptions, subject to the applicable health requirements.
Meanwhile, applications from Ugandans seeking entry for medical treatment or humanitarian reasons will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Patients travelling for medical care will be required to submit approved medical reports indicating their diagnosis, the health facility where they intend to receive treatment and the scheduled date for commencement of treatment.
Such applications will be assessed in consultation with the relevant government authorities.
Despite easing restrictions on Uganda, the UAE has maintained its existing precautionary measures affecting nationals of the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan as health authorities continue monitoring the Ebola situation.
The visa suspension imposed on Ugandans in June 2026 had disrupted travel arrangements for people seeking opportunities in the UAE, particularly workers, students, businesspeople and other visitors.
The latest decision signals a gradual easing of travel restrictions while maintaining health safeguards intended to prevent the importation and spread of infectious diseases.
NCEMA and the other government agencies said they would continue monitoring the epidemiological situation and could adjust entry requirements depending on emerging health developments.
However, the announcement does not indicate when the 21-day waiting period will be removed or when the remaining restrictions affecting other countries will be reviewed.