UAE Lifts Visa Suspension on Ugandans After Ebola Outbreak Containment

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has lifted its suspension on issuing new visas to Ugandan nationals, easing travel restrictions imposed in June 2026 over concerns about the spread of the Ebola virus in the region.

The decision, announced on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, allows Ugandans to apply for visas and travel to the UAE, provided they have spent at least 21 days outside Uganda before travelling.

The revised measures were announced by the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).

The relaxation follows Uganda’s successful containment of the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak, which was declared over on July 28, 2026, after health authorities interrupted local transmission and completed the required public health response.

Uganda declared the outbreak on May 15, 2026, following the detection of infections linked to cross-border transmission from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Ministry of Health subsequently intensified surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory testing and infection prevention measures to contain the disease.

Although Uganda has since maintained its Ebola-free status, health authorities continue to strengthen surveillance and preparedness, particularly because of ongoing transmission in neighbouring DRC.

Under the revised UAE arrangements, Ugandan students who enrolled in educational institutions in the country before June 2026 will be allowed to return, together with their family members, subject to approved health procedures.

Administrative staff at the Ugandan Embassy in the UAE holding ordinary passports and their dependants are also covered by the exemptions. Holders of diplomatic and special passports issued by the Ugandan government will equally be permitted entry under the applicable health procedures.

Humanitarian and medical cases will continue to be considered individually. Travellers seeking medical treatment in the UAE will be required to present approved medical reports detailing their diagnosis, the healthcare facility where they will receive treatment and the scheduled commencement date.

Meanwhile, the Ebola situation in the DRC remains concerning, with the country recording 11,042 confirmed cases and 5,387 deaths by November 10, according to figures reported by its authorities.

The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, has affected eight provinces, making it the country’s deadliest Ebola epidemic.

Containment efforts have been complicated by insecurity, weaknesses in the healthcare system, delayed detection of infections and difficulties accessing affected communities. Health workers have also faced challenges arising from community mistrust and misinformation.

The outbreak has also raised regional concerns, with infections reported in other African countries, including Uganda, Kenya and Nigeria.

In Uganda, the Ministry of Health has maintained enhanced surveillance, particularly at border points, while strengthening laboratory capacity, emergency response systems and cross-border cooperation to prevent the reintroduction of the virus.

However, the UAE said precautionary restrictions on nationals of the DRC and South Sudan would remain in force due to continued monitoring of the epidemiological situation in the two countries.

NCEMA, MoHAP and ICP said they would continue assessing developments and adjusting entry requirements in line with emerging health risks and public health considerations.