UAE lifts Ebola-related visa suspension for Ugandans
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The UAE has ended its suspension on new visas for Ugandan passport holders, introduced in June over an Ebola outbreak. The suspension continues for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan.
The UAE announced on Wednesday that it has lifted its suspension on issuing new visas to Ugandans. The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, the Ministry of Health and Prevention, and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security announced the revised entry measures. The suspension had been introduced as a precaution in June because of the Ebola outbreak in Uganda. Ugandan passport holders may now enter the UAE provided at least 21 days have passed since they left their country.
The suspension of new visas continues for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan, given the health situation in both countries. The travel suspension also covers passengers transiting through the UAE, unless they have spent more than 21 days outside the three African countries before arriving.
Ugandan students enrolled in UAE educational institutions before June 2026 may enter, along with their family members, under the approved procedures. Administrative staff at the Ugandan embassy who hold ordinary passports, and their family members, are also permitted to enter. Holders of diplomatic and special passports issued by the Ugandan government may enter under the health procedures for exempted categories, in co-ordination with the relevant authorities.
Humanitarian and medical cases will be assessed individually. People travelling for medical treatment must submit approved medical reports stating their diagnosis, the name of the healthcare facility and the scheduled start date of treatment.
The UAE said the measures reflect its commitment to protecting public health. Authorities said they will keep monitoring the epidemiological situation and update precautionary measures as developments and risk assessments require.
