The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has eased travel restrictions imposed on Ugandan nationals following developments related to the Ebola virus outbreak. The decision, announced on November  2026, removes the suspension on issuing new visas to Ugandan citizens while maintaining specific health conditions for entry.

The announcement was made by the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), in coordination with the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).

The restrictions were initially introduced in June 2026 as a precautionary response to concerns about the spread of Ebola.

New Entry Conditions for Ugandan Citizens

Under the revised arrangements, Ugandan nationals can once again apply for new UAE visas and enter the country, provided that at least 21 days have passed since their departure from Uganda.

The updated policy reflects a reassessment of the public health situation and allows eligible travellers to resume their journeys under the revised precautionary requirements.

The decision is expected to provide relief to Ugandans travelling to the UAE for employment, business, education, family visits and other purposes.

Students and Diplomatic Personnel Also Included

The UAE has outlined additional entry arrangements for specific categories of Ugandan nationals.

Ugandan students who were enrolled in UAE educational institutions before June 2026 will be allowed to return, along with their family members, subject to approved health procedures.

Administrative employees of the Ugandan Embassy in the UAE holding ordinary passports will also be permitted to enter with their families under the applicable requirements.

Furthermore, holders of diplomatic and special passports issued by the Ugandan government will be eligible for entry in accordance with the relevant health procedures.

Special Arrangements for Medical and Humanitarian Cases

The revised policy also provides flexibility for humanitarian and medical travel.

Applications involving humanitarian circumstances or medical treatment will be examined individually by the relevant UAE authorities.

People travelling to the UAE for medical treatment must provide approved medical documentation containing their diagnosis, the name of the healthcare facility where treatment will take place and the scheduled treatment commencement date.

These requirements are intended to ensure that necessary medical travel can continue while appropriate public health safeguards remain in place.

Restrictions Continue for Congo and South Sudan

While Uganda has received relief from the earlier restrictions, the UAE has confirmed that precautionary entry measures for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan will remain unchanged.

Authorities will continue monitoring the Ebola situation in both countries and reviewing the associated health risks.

The UAE’s decision demonstrates that travel policies are being adjusted according to the evolving epidemiological situation rather than applying identical restrictions to every country.

A Positive Development for Uganda-UAE Relations

The easing of restrictions is an important development for people-to-people connections and economic relations between Uganda and the UAE.

The UAE is an important destination for Ugandan workers, entrepreneurs, students and business travellers. Restoring visa issuance is expected to make travel planning easier for eligible Ugandan nationals.

The decision also highlights the importance of balancing international mobility with public health protection during infectious disease emergencies.

Health Authorities Continue Monitoring Ebola Risks

Despite relaxing the measures for Uganda, UAE authorities have emphasised that public health surveillance and preparedness remain priorities.

NCEMA, MoHAP and ICP will continue monitoring regional and international developments and may adjust entry requirements if the health situation changes.

The latest decision offers renewed travel opportunities for Ugandans while demonstrating how governments can gradually ease emergency restrictions when their assessment of public health risks supports doing so.