KAMPALA, Uganda — A new visa waiver agreement between the Uganda and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially entered into force, easing travel requirements for specified categories of passport holders between the two countries.
The agreement, signed on May 7, 2025, and ratified ahead of its implementation on February 10, 2026, is designed to strengthen diplomatic engagement and deepen bilateral cooperation.
Under the arrangement:
- UAE nationals holding diplomatic, special, ordinary or service passports may enter Uganda without a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
- Ugandan nationals holding diplomatic and service passports are permitted visa-free entry into the UAE for up to 90 days within any 180-day period preceding each day of stay.
Uganda’s Ministry of Internal Affairs clarified that holders of ordinary Ugandan passports are not covered by the waiver and must continue to apply for visas under existing procedures when travelling to the UAE.
“All eligible UAE nationals traveling to Uganda are now granted visa-free entry for stays not exceeding 90 days, subject to standard immigration procedures, including presentation of a valid passport and proof of onward or return travel where applicable,” said Simon Peter Mundeyi, spokesperson for the Ministry.
Deepening strategic ties
The agreement reflects the expanding relationship between Kampala and Abu Dhabi, particularly in trade, labour migration, aviation and investment flows.
The UAE is among Uganda’s significant Middle Eastern economic partners. Bilateral trade has grown steadily in recent years, with the Gulf state serving as a major destination for Ugandan exports including gold, agricultural products and fish.
At the same time, thousands of Ugandan migrant workers are employed in the UAE, particularly in domestic and service sectors.
Officials say the visa waiver will facilitate high-level exchanges, streamline official travel and enhance cooperation across diplomatic, economic and security domains.
Regional and economic context
The UAE has been actively expanding its diplomatic footprint across Africa through trade agreements, investment partnerships and infrastructure financing.
Uganda has sought to position itself as a regional logistics and investment hub within East Africa, leveraging its membership in the East African Community (EAC).
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Analysts note that while the waiver primarily benefits diplomatic and official passport holders on the Ugandan side, it signals growing trust and institutional cooperation between the two governments.
Visa policy adjustments are often viewed as indicators of maturing bilateral ties, particularly where reciprocal arrangements are negotiated.
Immigration controls remain in place
The Ministry emphasised that while the agreement facilitates legitimate travel, standard immigration controls will remain operational.
Travelers must still meet entry conditions, including passport validity requirements and compliance with security screening measures.
The government reiterated its commitment to balancing mobility with national security and regulatory oversight.
As Uganda expands its global partnerships, the implementation of this visa waiver marks another step in strengthening diplomatic connectivity between East Africa and the Gulf region.
