The United Arab Emirates is easing the Ebola-related entry measures it imposed on Ugandan nationals in June. The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) announced the decision on Saturday 26 September 2026. Since 6 June, no new UAE visa of any type could be issued to a Ugandan citizen. The measures stay in force for nationals of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan, where the authorities say the epidemiological situation is ongoing.
Background
Uganda declared an outbreak of Bundibugyo Ebola on 15 May 2026, after cases linked to the much larger epidemic in DR Congo were detected. The World Health Organization counts 20 confirmed cases in Uganda: 15 imported from DR Congo and five acquired locally, with 18 recoveries and two deaths. The last patient was discharged on 16 July, Uganda announced on 28 July that local transmission had been interrupted, and WHO confirmed the end of the outbreak in late August after the 42-day countdown. The UAE kept its measures for another month. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja raised them with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Dubai on 8 September, saying they were hurting bilateral trade, and Foreign Affairs Minister Adonia Ayebare met him again at the UN General Assembly in New York shortly before the announcement.
What the June measures were
The NCEMA and ICP package of 5 June had two parts. From 13:00 on 6 June 2026, all new visas for nationals of Uganda, DR Congo and South Sudan were suspended, visit visas included. Travellers arriving from those three countries, including via transit elsewhere, were refused entry unless they had spent more than 21 days outside them before arriving. Transit flights through the UAE and cargo flights were not affected. The 26 September statement says these measures are being "eased" for Ugandan nationals following "the completion of the internationally established monitoring period", and that all Ebola measures remain under review.
Before and after
- Ugandan nationals, 6 June to 26 September: no new UAE visas of any type; entry refused unless more than 21 days had been spent outside Uganda, DR Congo and South Sudan.
- Ugandan nationals, from 26 September: measures eased. The statement does not list which visa types reopen first or whether any health screening remains.
- DR Congo and South Sudan nationals: no change. The visa suspension and the 21-day entry rule stay in effect, with no end date.
- Transit passengers and cargo: unaffected throughout.
Who it affects and what to do
Uganda's Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development estimates that 100,000 to 160,000 Ugandans live and work in the UAE, mainly in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, in domestic work, hospitality, private security, construction and retail. Recruitment agencies in Uganda say prospective workers have been waiting since June because employment visas could not be issued. If you are a Ugandan citizen with a UAE job offer or a planned visit, ask your employer, sponsor or airline to confirm that a visa can actually be issued before you book travel or resign from a current job. Ayebare said the decision depends on a UAE delegation visiting Uganda's Civil Aviation Authority and other agencies "in the next seven days" to assess preparedness, so full normalisation may run into early October. Ugandans already resident in the UAE should keep their residence permit valid and check ICP guidance before travelling home. For nationals of DR Congo and South Sudan, a UAE job offer still cannot become a new visa while the suspension lasts. Our UAE guide at /country-guides/united-arab-emirates covers the main visa and residence routes.
When it takes effect
NCEMA, MoHAP and ICP announced the easing on Saturday 26 September 2026. The June measures for DR Congo and South Sudan nationals remain in force with no end date, subject to review.
What is not yet confirmed
The UAE statement says "easing", not "lifting", and does not set out which visa categories reopen immediately. The seven-day assessment visit comes from Uganda's foreign minister; the UAE statement does not mention it. The statement refers to Ugandan nationals, so it is not clear whether the 21-day rule for travellers of other nationalities arriving from Uganda has also been dropped. Check with ICP, your sponsor or your airline before travelling.
Key Takeaway
The UAE is reopening visas and entry for Ugandans after a freeze of more than three months, but confirm your visa can be issued before you travel; the freeze stays for DR Congo and South Sudan nationals.