The Ministry of Internal Affairs has announced that a visa waiver agreement between the Republic of Uganda and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially taken effect, allowing holders of specified passports to travel between the two countries without a visa.
Signed on May 7, 2025, and ratified ahead of its commencement on February 10, 2026, the agreement is intended to enhance diplomatic, official, and bilateral relations.
Under the terms of the agreement:
- UAE nationals holding diplomatic, special, ordinary, or service passports are exempt from the requirement to obtain a visa to enter Uganda for stays of up to 90 days.
- Ugandan nationals holding diplomatic and service passports can enter the UAE visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period preceding each day of stay.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs clarified that ordinary Ugandan passport holders are not covered by the waiver and must continue to follow standard visa application procedures when traveling to the UAE.
“All eligible UAE nationals traveling to Uganda are now granted visa-free entry for stays not exceeding 90 days, subject to standard immigration procedures, including presentation of a valid passport and proof of onward or return travel where applicable,” said Simon Peter Mundeyi, spokesperson for the Ministry.
The move reflects the growing partnership between Uganda and the UAE, fostering closer diplomatic, economic, and cultural cooperation.
The Ministry emphasized that while facilitating legitimate travel, it remains committed to maintaining national security and immigration standards.