The UAE has lifted its suspension on new visas for Ugandans, easing restrictions imposed in June because of the Ebola outbreak. Passport holders can now enter the Emirates provided at least 21 days have passed since they left Uganda.
The change was announced on Wednesday by 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. It marks the first easing for any of the countries named in the original measures.
Restrictions remain for two other countries
Not everything has been relaxed. The suspension of new visas continues for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan, which the authorities say reflects the health situation in both countries. The June measures covered three African countries in total, and only Uganda has now been removed.
The travel restrictions also apply to passengers transiting through the UAE. Transit travellers from the countries still covered are barred unless they have spent more than 21 days outside them before arriving.
Who is exempt
The announcement lists several categories of people who can enter under the approved procedures:
- Ugandan students enrolled at educational institutions in the UAE before June 2026, along with their family members.
- Administrative staff at the Ugandan embassy who hold ordinary passports, and their family members.
- Holders of diplomatic and special passports issued by the Ugandan government, who may enter under the health procedures applying to exempted categories, in co-ordination with the relevant authorities.
Medical and humanitarian cases
Humanitarian and medical cases will continue to be assessed individually. People travelling to the UAE for treatment must submit approved medical reports setting out their diagnosis, the name of the healthcare facility where they will be treated and the scheduled start date for treatment. Requirements will depend on the circumstances of each case.
The 21-day rule in practice
The 21-day condition is the central safeguard in the revised rules. In practical terms, a Ugandan traveller must show that at least three weeks have elapsed since leaving the country before arriving in the UAE. That is a significant hurdle for anyone planning a short, direct trip. It means many visitors will need to plan their route and timing carefully, and may need to provide documentary evidence of where they have been.
Airlines and travel agents will likely be the first to field questions as the rule takes effect. Passengers should confirm requirements directly with their carrier and the relevant UAE authorities before booking, rather than relying on secondhand summaries.
Why the UAE acted in June
The original restrictions were introduced as a precaution after an outbreak of Ebola virus in Uganda. The UAE had earlier urged citizens and residents to avoid travel to the three countries concerned. The Emirates is one of the world’s busiest connecting hubs, so the authorities have treated entry and transit controls as a key part of keeping health risks in check.
In explaining the latest decision, the UAE said the measures reflect the country’s commitment to protecting public health, strengthening preparedness and responding to health risks. It added that the epidemiological situation will keep being monitored and that precautionary measures will be updated in line with new developments and risk assessments.
What to watch
The easing for Uganda will be read as a sign that the authorities see the risk from that country as lower than it was in June. At the same time, the decision to maintain restrictions on the DRC and South Sudan shows the approach remains country-specific and cautious. Further changes are possible in either direction, depending on how the outbreak evolves.
For Ugandans with family, work or study ties to the UAE, the update is welcome news after months of uncertainty. For everyone else, it is a reminder that entry rules can change quickly, and that a quick check of official guidance before travel is time well spent.
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