UAE Lifts Ebola Visa Ban on Uganda
The United Arab Emirates has eased entry restrictions for Ugandan citizens following Uganda’s declaration of being Ebola‑free. The ban on travelers from the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan remains in place due to ongoing outbreaks. The decision reflects the UAE’s ongoing monitoring of…
By Felo News Desk · Published
The United Arab Emirates announced on Saturday that it will no longer enforce the visa suspension that had been imposed on nationals of Uganda, following the country’s official declaration of being free from Ebola. The move comes after a careful assessment of the epidemiological situation and the conclusion that Uganda’s Ebola outbreak has ended. However, the UAE has decided to keep the precautionary measures in place for travelers from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and South Sudan, where the virus continues to circulate.
Background on the UAE’s Ebola Precautions
In early June 2026, the UAE introduced a temporary visa ban on citizens from Uganda, the DRC, and South Sudan as part of a broader strategy to protect its population from the highly contagious Ebola virus. The ban was intended to strengthen the country’s preparedness and response capabilities while the international community worked to contain the disease. The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), coordinated the implementation of these measures.
Under the ban, Ugandan nationals were required to obtain a special visa to enter the UAE, and travelers from the DRC and South Sudan faced additional screening and health checks. The restrictions were designed to be flexible, with the authorities committing to regular reviews based on evolving risk assessments and public health guidelines.
Uganda’s Ebola-Free Declaration
Uganda’s Ministry of Health, led by Minister Chris Baryomunsi, declared the country Ebola‑free in late July after completing the internationally mandated monitoring period. The announcement followed a series of successful containment efforts, including contact tracing, community education, and the deployment of vaccination campaigns. The declaration marked the end of Uganda’s 17th Ebola epidemic, which had seen significant morbidity and mortality in the region.
In response to Uganda’s clearance, the UAE’s NCEMA, MoHAP, and ICP reviewed the latest data and decided to lift the visa suspension for Ugandan citizens. The decision reflects confidence that the risk of Ebola transmission from Uganda to the UAE has been mitigated.
Ongoing Threats in the DRC and South Sudan
Despite the easing of restrictions for Uganda, the UAE has chosen to maintain its precautionary measures for the DRC and South Sudan. The DRC remains in the midst of its worst Ebola outbreak ever, with more than 7,000 confirmed cases and nearly 3,400 deaths reported in the latest figures. The outbreak, which began in mid‑May, has strained local healthcare systems and prompted international assistance efforts.
South Sudan also continues to face sporadic Ebola cases, and the UAE’s authorities are monitoring the situation closely. The decision to keep the ban in place is based on the ongoing epidemiological risk and the need to prevent potential cross‑border transmission.
Future Monitoring and Adjustments
NCEMA, MoHAP, and ICP have emphasized that the UAE will continue to monitor developments in the region. Precautionary measures will be subject to ongoing review and may be adjusted as new data become available. The authorities have committed to aligning any changes with international public health standards and risk assessments.
Travelers from the DRC and South Sudan should remain aware of the current restrictions and consult the UAE’s official immigration and health portals for the latest information. Meanwhile, Ugandan nationals can expect to resume normal travel arrangements, provided they meet standard health and visa requirements.
As the global community works to contain Ebola and other emerging diseases, the UAE’s approach demonstrates a balance between public health protection and the facilitation of international mobility. The decision to lift the ban on Uganda while maintaining restrictions on higher‑risk countries reflects a data‑driven strategy aimed at safeguarding both residents and visitors.
What Happens Next?
The UAE will continue to assess the situation in the DRC and South Sudan, with the possibility of further adjustments to travel policies. International health agencies, such as the World Health Organization, are also monitoring the outbreak’s trajectory. Travelers should stay informed through official channels and be prepared for potential changes in entry requirements.
In the meantime, the lifting of the visa ban for Ugandan citizens signals a positive step toward normalizing travel and economic ties between the two countries, while the UAE remains vigilant against the ongoing Ebola threat in neighboring regions.
Key facts
- UAE lifts visa ban for Ugandan nationals after Ebola‑free declaration
- Visa restrictions remain for DRC and South Sudan due to ongoing outbreaks
- Decision based on latest epidemiological data and international health guidelines
- UAE authorities continue to monitor regional health developments
- Travelers should stay updated on changing entry requirements
Why it matters
The decision reflects the UAE’s commitment to public health while restoring travel links with Uganda, and highlights the ongoing risk posed by Ebola in the DRC and South Sudan.
Frequently asked questions
When will the visa ban for Uganda be lifted?
The UAE lifted the visa ban for Ugandan nationals on Saturday, following Uganda’s declaration of being Ebola‑free.
Are there still restrictions for travelers from the DRC and South Sudan?
Yes, the UAE has kept precautionary measures in place for travelers from the DRC and South Sudan due to ongoing Ebola outbreaks.
How can travelers from the DRC or South Sudan find out more?
Travelers should consult the UAE’s official immigration and health portals for the latest travel advisories and entry requirements.
Sources
- [1] khaleejtimes.com — originally reported as “UAE lifts Ebola-related visa ban on Uganda; restrictions remain for DRC, South Sudan”
