The Governments of the Republic of Uganda and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed a bilateral visa waiver agreement to facilitate visa-free travel for holders of specified categories of passports between the two countries.
The agreement is aimed at strengthening diplomatic, official, and bilateral relations.
Simon Peter Mundeyi, Spokesperson and Head of Public Relations at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, stated that for nationals of the United Arab Emirates, holders of diplomatic, special, ordinary, and service passports are exempt from the requirement to obtain a visa for entry into and stay in the Republic of Uganda for a maximum period of 90 days.
For nationals of the Republic of Uganda, holders of diplomatic and service passports are exempt from the requirement to obtain a visa for entry into and stay in the United Arab Emirates for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period preceding each day of stay.
“The waiver does not apply to holders of ordinary Ugandan passports, who remain subject to the routine visa application procedures for travel to the UAE,” he said.
In accordance with the terms of the agreement, and following its ratification and entry into force, the visa waiver for eligible UAE nationals traveling to Uganda took effect on February 10, 2026.
All nationals of the United Arab Emirates holding the aforementioned passport categories are now granted visa-free entry into Uganda for stays not exceeding 90 days, subject to standard immigration procedures, including the presentation of a valid passport and proof of onward or return travel, where applicable.
Mundeyi said the development reflects the growing partnership between Uganda and the UAE in areas of mutual interest. The Ministry remains committed to facilitating legitimate travel while upholding national security and immigration standards.
