UAE relaxes entry requirements for Ugandan nationals as health monitoring progresses

Following successful epidemiological assessment, the Emirates has lifted visa restrictions and clarified entry pathways for Ugandan citizens, students and diplomatic personnel, whilst maintaining vigilance over other regions.

The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, working alongside the Ministry of Health and Prevention and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, has clarified entry arrangements for nationals of the Republic of Uganda, reflecting evolving public health circumstances five months after initial precautionary measures were introduced.

The suspension on issuing new visas to Ugandan nationals has been lifted, permitting entry provided that at least 21 days have elapsed since departure from Uganda. This represents a significant reopening of travel pathways following the June 2026 measures that had been established in response to health developments in the region.

Ugandan students enrolled in UAE educational institutions prior to June 2026 are now permitted to return, together with their family members, subject to approved health procedures. Administrative staff at the Embassy of the Republic of Uganda in the UAE holding ordinary passports, along with their relatives, will also be permitted entry under agreed protocols. Holders of diplomatic and special passports issued by the Ugandan Government will be permitted to enter in accordance with approved procedures applicable to exempted categories.

Humanitarian and medical cases continue to be assessed individually within established regulatory frameworks. Those travelling for medical treatment must submit approved medical documentation specifying their diagnosis, the healthcare facility providing care, and the scheduled treatment commencement date. This individualised approach ensures that genuine medical necessity is supported whilst maintaining appropriate oversight.

The authorities underscored that as we reported in parliamentary bridges between the UAE and Uganda charting a course for deeper cooperation, the two nations maintain robust diplomatic channels and continue to develop closer ties across energy, security and sustainable development. These revised entry measures reflect the maturation of such relationships.

Precautionary measures for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of South Sudan remain in force, reflecting continued epidemiological monitoring in those jurisdictions. The authorities reaffirmed their commitment to protecting public health whilst strengthening preparedness and responding to emerging health risks. Ongoing surveillance of the epidemiological landscape will guide any further refinements to these measures.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

For Abu Dhabi and the wider Emirates, these clarifications represent a recalibration of public health policy grounded in evidence and ongoing assessment. The lifting of visa restrictions facilitates resumption of normal diplomatic, educational and economic activity with Uganda whilst maintaining the precautionary frameworks that have proven effective in the region’s response to health emergencies.

The decision affirms the UAE’s capacity to balance openness and engagement with rigorous health protection, ensuring that communities and institutions can continue their interconnected activities with confidence. Ugandan students returning to universities, resumed visa issuance and restored diplomatic movement all contribute to the continuity of social, educational and economic life that defines the Emirates’ character as a welcoming and dynamic nation.

Source: WAM