UAE resumes visas for Ugandans after 21 days abroad

The UAE has lifted its suspension on issuing new visas to Ugandan nationals, imposed since June over Ebola, requiring them to have spent at least 21 days outside Uganda before entry. Kampala welcomed the decision and thanked Abu Dhabi.

The UAE has lifted its suspension on issuing new visas to Ugandan nationals and is allowing them to enter the country, provided at least 21 days have passed since they left Uganda. The move eases precautionary measures imposed in June 2026 amid developments linked to the Ebola virus.

The decision was issued on Wednesday, November 11, by the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Prevention and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security. Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported the decision.

Exceptions for students and diplomats

The updated measures allow Ugandan students enrolled at educational institutions in the UAE before June 2026 to enter with their family members. Administrative staff at Uganda’s embassy holding ordinary passports and their families, as well as holders of diplomatic and special passports, may also enter under the approved health procedures.

Humanitarian and medical cases will be assessed individually. Those arriving for treatment must submit approved medical reports specifying the diagnosis, the name of the healthcare facility and the treatment start date. UAE authorities also confirmed that precautionary measures for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan remain in place as they monitor the epidemiological situation in both countries.

Ugandan Foreign Minister Adonia Ayebare and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan during a previous meeting

Kampala welcomes the decision

Ugandan Foreign Minister Adonia Ayebare welcomed the decision and thanked the UAE government for lifting the Ebola-related restrictions. He praised the role of Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, the Minister of State for African Affairs, Ugandan website Chimp Reports said. Ayebare recently met Sheikh Shakhbout in Abu Dhabi to discuss bilateral relations.

Uganda announced an outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus on May 15, 2026, following infections linked to cross-border transmission from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It declared the outbreak over on July 28, according to Uganda’s Independent newspaper. The 21-day requirement corresponds to the virus’s longest known incubation period, while Chimp Reports said it poses a challenge for Ugandan businesspeople and workers who wish to travel directly from Entebbe to Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

Photos: Travels Dubai, URN

UAE resumes visas for Ugandans after 21 days abroad