The United Arab Emirates has lifted the suspension of new visas for Ugandan nationals that it introduced in June 2026 because of Ebola. The decision was announced on 11 November 2026 by the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).
Ugandans can now apply for new UAE visas and enter the country, provided at least 21 days have passed since they left Uganda. The measures for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and South Sudan do not change.
What changed
What travel sellers should do
Reopen UAE visa sales for Ugandan passports, with the 21-day check. Before you sell a UAE visa or a flight to the UAE, ask when the traveller last left Uganda. If it was less than 21 days before arrival, the trip should wait.
A visa is not the same as entry. A traveller can hold a valid UAE visa and still be refused if the 21 days have not passed. Say this clearly on the booking page and in the confirmation email.
Keep DRC and South Sudan blocked. Nothing changed for those nationalities. Keep your existing messaging and checks for them.
Medical travellers need paperwork. For Ugandans travelling to the UAE for treatment, collect the medical report details (diagnosis, facility, start date) before you file anything.
Check other legs of the trip. The US entry ban for people who were in Uganda in the last 21 days still runs to about 10 December. A UAE trip followed by a US trip needs both checks.
Dates
Emirates News Agency (WAM), joint NCEMA, MoHAP and ICP statement, republished by Aletihad, 11 Nov 2026 verified 12 November 2026 · WAM: UAE eases precautionary entry measures for Uganda, 26 Sep 2026 verified 12 November 2026 · The National, 11 Nov 2026 verified 12 November 2026