Uganda and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have begun implementing a bilateral visa waiver agreement that allows holders of diplomatic and service passports to travel between the two countries without obtaining visas.
In a public statement issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs through the Directorate of National Citizenship and Immigration Control, the two governments confirmed that the agreement, signed on May 7, 2025, has now entered into force following ratification by both parties.
The arrangement is intended to ease official travel and deepen diplomatic and bilateral relations between Kampala and Abu Dhabi.
Under the agreement, nationals of the United Arab Emirates holding diplomatic, special, ordinary and service passports are exempt from visa requirements for entry into Uganda for stays of up to 90 days. Ugandan nationals, however, benefit under more limited terms. Only holders of Ugandan diplomatic and service passports qualify for visa-free entry into the UAE, for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
The Ministry clarified that the waiver does not apply to holders of ordinary Ugandan passports, who will continue to follow routine visa application procedures when travelling to the UAE.
Immigration authorities also noted that eligible UAE nationals will remain subject to standard entry requirements, including presentation of a valid passport and proof of onward or return travel where applicable.
The visa waiver for eligible UAE passport holders travelling to Uganda took effect on February 10, 2026.
According to the Ministry, the agreement reflects the growing partnership between Uganda and the UAE in areas of mutual interest. Officials say the move is expected to facilitate smoother official engagements while maintaining national security and immigration controls.
