UAE lifts Ebola visa suspension for Ugandans

The UAE has eased Ebola-related entry restrictions for Ugandan nationals, lifting the suspension on issuing new visas that was introduced in June 2026 following developments related to the virus. 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), announced the updated measures on Wednesday. Under the updated measures, the suspension on issuing new visas to Ugandan nationals has been lifted, allowing them to enter the UAE provided that at least 21 days have passed since their departure from Uganda. The revised rules also allow certain categories of students, embassy staff and diplomatic passport holders to enter the country, subject to approved health procedures. Ugandan students who were enrolled in educational institutions in the UAE before June 2026 will also be permitted to enter the country, along with their family members, in accordance with approved health procedures. Entry will also be permitted for administrative staff at the Embassy of the Republic of Uganda in the UAE who hold ordinary passports, as well as their family members, subject to approved procedures. In addition, holders of diplomatic and special passports issued by the Government of the Republic of Uganda will be permitted to enter the UAE in accordance with the approved health procedures applicable to exempted categories, in coordination with the relevant authorities. Humanitarian and medical cases will be assessed individually, in accordance with approved regulations and in coordination with the relevant authorities.