Uganda, UAE Commence Visa Waiver for Diplomatic and Service Passport Holders

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has announced the commencement of a visa waiver agreement between the Republic of Uganda and the United Arab Emirates, easing travel for holders of diplomatic and service passports.

In a public statement issued on February 17, 2026, the Ministry said the bilateral agreement, which was signed on May 7, 2025, facilitates visa-free travel for specified categories of passport holders between the two countries.

The move is aimed at strengthening diplomatic, official and bilateral relations.

According to the statement, nationals of the United Arab Emirates holding diplomatic, special, ordinary and service passports are now exempt from obtaining visas to enter and stay in Uganda for a maximum period of 90 days.

For Ugandan nationals, the waiver applies to holders of diplomatic and service passports, who are now exempt from visa requirements for entry into and stay in the UAE for up to 90 days within any 180-day period preceding each day of stay.

However, the Ministry clarified that the waiver does not apply to holders of ordinary Ugandan passports, who will continue to follow the routine visa application procedures when traveling to the UAE.

The visa waiver for eligible UAE nationals traveling to Uganda officially took effect on February 10, 2026, following ratification and entry into force of the agreement.

“All nationals of the United Arab Emirates 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 and proof of onward or return travel where applicable,” the statement noted.

The Ministry said the development reflects the growing partnership between Uganda and the UAE in areas of mutual interest.

It added that government remains committed to facilitating legitimate travel while upholding national security and immigration standards.

The statement was signed by the Ministry’s Spokesperson and Head of Public Relations, Simon Peter Mundeyi.