Health precautions remain in place for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan.
The UAE has eased Ebola-related entry restrictions for Ugandan nationals, lifting the suspension on new visa applications introduced in June 2026 following developments linked 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 revised measures on Wednesday.
Under the updated rules, the suspension on issuing new visas to Ugandan nationals has been lifted. They can now enter the UAE provided at least 21 days have passed since their departure from Uganda.
The revised measures also permit certain categories of students, embassy staff and diplomatic passport holders to enter the country, subject to approved health procedures.
Entry for students and embassy staff
Ugandan students enrolled at UAE educational institutions before June 2026 will be allowed to return, along with their family members, in line 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 the relevant procedures.
Holders of diplomatic and special passports issued by the Ugandan government will also be allowed to enter the UAE, following the approved health procedures for exempted categories and in coordination with the relevant authorities.
Medical and humanitarian cases
Humanitarian and medical entry requests will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with approved regulations and in coordination with the relevant authorities.
Those travelling to the UAE for medical treatment must provide approved medical reports detailing their diagnosis, the healthcare facility where they will receive treatment and the scheduled date for starting treatment. Each case will be considered according to its circumstances.
Restrictions remain for two countries
Although the UAE has relaxed entry measures for Ugandan nationals, existing health precautions for two other African countries remain unchanged.
The precautionary measures currently in place for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan will remain unchanged, in line with approved regulations and continued monitoring of the epidemiological situation in both countries.
NCEMA, MoHAP and ICP reaffirmed that the measures underline the UAE’s commitment to safeguarding public health, strengthening preparedness and responding to potential health risks.
The authorities will continue to monitor developments and review precautionary measures based on emerging information and risk assessments.
