Uganda and UAE formalise visa-free travel for select passport holders

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The Ministry of Internal Affairs on Tuesday (February 17) announced that Uganda has waived visa fees for holders of diplomatic and service passports from the United Arab Emirates.

Simon Mundeyi, the spokesperson of the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control, said in a statement that the move reflects the growing partnership between Uganda and the UAE in areas of mutual interest.

“The Ministry of Internal Affairs wishes to inform the general public and all relevant stakeholders that the Government of the Republic of Uganda and the UAE signed a bilateral visa waiver agreement on May 7, 2025. This agreement facilitates visa-free travel for holders of specified categories of passports between the two countries, aimed at strengthening diplomatic, official and bilateral relations,” Mundeyi said.

Mundeyi explained the key provisions of the agreement as follows.

For nationals of the UAE, holders of diplomatic, special, ordinary and service passports are exempt from the requirement to obtain a visa for entry into and stay in the Republic of Uganda for a maximum period of 90 days.

For nationals of the Republic of Uganda, holders of diplomatic and service passports are exempt from the requirement to obtain a visa for entry into and stay in the UAE for a maximum period of 90 days in any 180-day period preceding each day of stay.

“In accordance with the terms of the agreement and following its ratification and entry into force, the visa waiver for eligible UAE nationals travelling to Uganda took effect from February 10, 2026,” Mundeyi stated.

Mundeyi also said, “All nationals of UAE holding the aforementioned passport categories are now granted visa-free entry into Uganda for stays not exceeding 90 days, subject to standard immigration procedures, including presentation of a valid passport, proof of onward/return travel (where applicable), among others.”

He said the ministry remains committed to facilitating legitimate travel while upholding national security and immigration standards.

Uganda-UAE relations

Relations between Uganda and the UAE remain strong, marked by growing economic, trade and diplomatic cooperation. As of 2026, the UAE is Uganda’s largest export destination, driven by gold, coffee and agricultural products, with bilateral trade exceeding $2.8 billion.

The UAE serves as a major trade hub for Uganda, linking it to the Middle East, Europe and Asia. Foreign direct investment from the UAE into Uganda has risen significantly, with projections suggesting it could reach $7 billion, particularly with projects such as the oil refinery.

Diplomatic ties are also well established, with the Uganda Embassy in Abu Dhabi, opened in 2009, the UAE Embassy in Kampala, opened in 2011, and a Uganda Consulate in Dubai. The UAE hosts a large Ugandan diaspora, estimated at more than 150,000 people, who contribute to the economy through remittances.