The Government of Uganda has officially implemented a bilateral visa waiver agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), easing travel requirements for eligible passport holders between the two countries.
In a public statement issued on February 17, 2026, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, through the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC), confirmed that the agreement originally signed on May 7, 2025 has now come into force. The visa waiver for eligible UAE nationals traveling to Uganda took effect on February 10, 2026, following ratification.
This development is aimed at strengthening diplomatic and official relations, reflecting the growing partnership between Uganda and the UAE in areas of mutual interest.
Key Details of the Agreement
For UAE nationals:
Holders of diplomatic, special, ordinary, and service passports are exempt from obtaining a visa to enter and stay in Uganda for up to 90 days.
Travelers must still comply with standard immigration requirements, including presenting a valid passport and, where necessary, proof of onward or return travel.
For Ugandan nationals:
Holders of diplomatic and service passports are exempt from obtaining a visa to enter and stay in the UAE for up to 90 days within any 180-day period preceding each day of stay.
The Ministry emphasized that this waiver does not apply to holders of ordinary (regular) Ugandan passports. Individuals with ordinary passports must continue to follow standard visa application procedures when traveling to the UAE.
Simon Peter Mundeyi, Spokesperson and Head of Public Relations at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, stated that the agreement facilitates legitimate travel while maintaining national security and immigration standards.
Eligible UAE nationals in the specified passport categories can now enjoy visa-free entry into Uganda for stays of up to 90 days.
The agreement underscores the deepening ties between Uganda and the UAE and is expected to further enhance cooperation in trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges.
For inquiries or clarification, contact the Ministry of Internal Affairs Public Relations/NCIC Office via email at;
info@immigration.go.ug,
on X (formerly Twitter) at @mia_uga and @DCICUg,
or by phone at +256 417 102 600.
