Kampala- The Ministry of Internal Affairs Uganda has announced the commencement of a visa waiver agreement between the Uganda and the United Arab Emirates, aimed at facilitating visa-free travel for holders of specified passport categories from both countries.
According to a public statement issued by the Ministry’s National Citizenship and Immigration Control, the Governments of Uganda and the United Arab Emirates signed the bilateral agreement on May 7, 2025, to strengthen diplomatic, official, and bilateral relations.
Under the agreement, nationals of the United Arab Emirates holding diplomatic, special, ordinary, and service passports are exempt from obtaining visas to enter and stay in Uganda for a period not exceeding 90 days, subject to standard immigration procedures such as presenting a valid passport and proof of onward or return travel where applicable.
The statement further clarified that Ugandan nationals holding diplomatic and service passports will also be exempt from visa requirements when traveling to the United Arab Emirates for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
However, the Ministry emphasized that the waiver does not apply to holders of ordinary Ugandan passports, who will continue to follow routine visa application procedures when traveling to the UAE.
The Ministry noted that the visa waiver for eligible UAE nationals traveling to Uganda officially took effect on February 10, 2026, reflecting the growing partnership between the two countries while ensuring compliance with national security and immigration standards.
Simon Peter Mundeyi, the Spokesperson and Head of Public Relations at the Ministry, said the development demonstrates the government’s commitment to facilitating legitimate travel while strengthening bilateral cooperation.
