UAE Lifts Ebola-Related Travel Ban on Ugandan Nationals

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially lifted its travel and entry restrictions on Ugandan nationals, a measure initially implemented in response to the Ebola outbreak in Uganda. The announcement was made by the UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).

This move follows a thorough assessment of the epidemiological situation in Uganda and confirmation that the country has successfully completed the internationally recognized monitoring period after its Ebola outbreak concluded. While restrictions on Uganda have been removed, precautionary measures remain in place for travelers from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and South Sudan due to ongoing health concerns in those regions.

The UAE had imposed these restrictions on June 6, 2026, halting the issuance of new visas for nationals from Uganda, DRC, and South Sudan as part of its Ebola preparedness strategy. Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Adonia Ayebare, confirmed that the decision was a result of recent discussions with his UAE counterpart during the United Nations General Assembly. He noted that a UAE delegation would visit Ugandan aviation and other relevant authorities to assess preparedness before the full lifting of the ban.

The easing of these restrictions is a significant development for Uganda’s labor export sector. The UAE is a primary destination for many Ugandan migrant workers, employed in various sectors including domestic work, hospitality, construction, and retail. These workers are a crucial source of foreign remittances, sending an estimated $260 million to $350 million to Uganda annually. The previous restrictions had impacted recruitment agencies and prospective migrant workers, causing delays in visa processing and travel arrangements.

Source: https://observer.ug/news/ebola-uae-lifts-travel-restrictions-on-ugandan-nationals