The United Arab Emirates has announced a significant update to its Ebola-related travel restrictions, lifting the visa suspension previously imposed on Ugandan nationals in June 2026. The decision follows developments in the regional health situation and introduces revised entry conditions for eligible travellers.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).
Under the updated guidelines, Ugandan nationals can once again apply for and obtain new UAE entry visas, provided that at least 21 days have passed since their departure from Uganda. The revised measures also establish specific exemptions for certain categories of travellers, subject to approved health protocols.
Ugandan students who enrolled at UAE educational institutions before June 2026 are eligible to enter the country, along with their immediate family members. Administrative staff at the Ugandan Embassy in the UAE holding ordinary passports, as well as their families, are also permitted entry under the approved arrangements. Additionally, holders of Ugandan diplomatic and special passports can enter through designated exemption procedures.
The authorities have also introduced provisions for individuals requiring medical treatment or travelling for humanitarian reasons. Such cases will be assessed individually. Travellers seeking medical care in the UAE must provide verified medical documentation outlining their diagnosis, the healthcare facility responsible for treatment and the scheduled treatment timeline.
However, the relaxation does not extend to all countries affected by regional health concerns. Precautionary entry restrictions for nationals of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan remain in place while authorities continue monitoring the epidemiological situation.
NCEMA, MoHAP and ICP emphasised that the revised framework aims to maintain public health safeguards while supporting travel and operational continuity. The authorities will continue reviewing the measures through ongoing health risk assessments.
The latest decision represents an important adjustment to the UAE’s travel policy, allowing eligible Ugandan nationals to resume visa applications while maintaining precautionary measures against potential public health risks.
