Uganda has announced the commencement of a visa waiver agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), paving the way for visa free travel for specified passport holders between the two countries.
In a statement issued by the ministry of Internal Affairs through the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control, government confirmed that the bilateral agreement, which was signed on May 7 last year, officially took effect on February 10, 2026.
The statement was signed by Simon Peter Mundeyi, the spokesperson and head of public relations at the ministry.
Under the new arrangement, nationals of the UAE holding diplomatic, special, ordinary and service passports are exempt from obtaining a visa to enter and stay in Uganda for up to 90 days, subject to standard immigration procedures.
“These immigration procedures include presenting a valid passport and proof of onward or return travel where applicable,” Mundeyi said.
For Ugandan nationals, the waiver applies to holders of diplomatic and service passports, who may now travel to the UAE without a visa for a maximum of 90 days within any 180 day period.
However, the ministry clarified that holders of ordinary Ugandan passports will remain subject to the routine visa application procedures for entry into the UAE.
Mundeyi said the agreement reflects the growing partnership between Uganda and the UAE in areas of mutual interest and is aimed at strengthening diplomatic and official ties.
The visa waiver is expected to ease official travel and deepen bilateral cooperation between Kampala and Abu Dhabi as both countries expand collaboration in trade, investment, labour export and diplomatic engagement.
The development comes at a time when many Ugandans have faced immigration challenges while seeking to travel to the UAE for work and other engagements.
The UAE remains one of the Middle Eastern countries with the largest number of Ugandans working in the oil rich nation.
