UAE Lifts Ebola Travel Restrictions for Ugandan Nationals
The United Arab Emirates has lifted travel and visa restrictions for Ugandan nationals following the end of an Ebola outbreak and a monitoring period.
The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority of the United Arab Emirates announced on September 26, 2026, the lifting of precautionary entry measures for Ugandan nationals. The restrictions, which had suspended new visa issuance and limited entry since June 6, 2026, were implemented in response to an Ebola outbreak in Uganda. The decision follows Uganda's July 28 declaration that it was Ebola-free after recording 20 confirmed cases and two deaths.
Ugandan Foreign Affairs Minister Adonia Ayebare stated the move followed discussions with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan during the 81st UN General Assembly in New York. Full restoration of travel is subject to a UAE delegation visiting the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority and other entities within seven days to assess preparedness. The lifting of these curbs is expected to revitalize Uganda's labor export industry, which supports between 100,000 and 160,000 workers in the UAE and generates up to $350 million in annual remittances.
While restrictions for Uganda are easing, the UAE is maintaining entry curbs for nationals of the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan due to ongoing epidemiological concerns. Additionally, the UAE Aid Agency pledged $10 million to support Ebola response efforts across Africa during meetings at the UN General Assembly.
