By Diana N. Kintu
Ugandans holding diplomatic and service passports are now exempt from visa requirements when travelling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), following the formal operationalisation of a bilateral visa waiver agreement between the two countries.
The Governments of Uganda and the UAE have officially brought the agreement into force, allowing holders of specified passport categories to travel visa-free between the two nations for defined periods. The move is expected to ease official travel and further strengthen diplomatic engagement.
According to a public statement issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs spokesperson, Simon Peter Mundeyi, the agreement was signed on 7 May 2025 and has now entered into effect following completion of the ratification process by both parties.
Mr Mundeyi confirmed that the waiver took effect on 10 February 2026 for eligible UAE nationals travelling to Uganda. Under the arrangement, UAE nationals holding diplomatic, special, ordinary and service passports are exempt from visa requirements when entering Uganda for stays of up to 90 days.
In reciprocity, Ugandan nationals holding diplomatic and service passports are exempt from visa requirements for entry into the UAE for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The provision is designed to facilitate official and government-related travel while maintaining clear eligibility criteria.
“The Ministry of Internal Affairs wishes to inform the general public, and all relevant stakeholders, that the Governments of the Republic of Uganda and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed a bilateral visa waiver agreement on 7 May 2025. The agreement facilitates visa-free travel for holders of specified categories of passports between the two countries, aiming at strengthening diplomatic, official and bilateral relationships,” Mr Mundeyi said.
The Ministry clarified that the waiver does not extend to holders of ordinary Ugandan passports. Such travellers will continue to follow the standard visa application procedures when seeking entry into the UAE. Officials noted that the agreement specifically targets diplomatic and official travel categories on Uganda’s side, reflecting the nature of the reciprocal arrangement.
Authorities emphasised that the visa waiver is intended to deepen diplomatic cooperation and streamline official engagements between the two governments. By easing travel restrictions for designated passport holders, the agreement is expected to promote more efficient coordination on matters of mutual interest, including trade, investment and government-to-government collaboration.
The Ministry further reiterated its commitment to facilitating legitimate travel while upholding national security and immigration standards. Officials assured the public that all travellers will continue to be subject to existing immigration controls and entry requirements in line with national laws and international obligations.
The operationalisation of the visa waiver marks another milestone in the growing partnership between Uganda and the UAE. In recent years, relations between the two countries have expanded significantly, particularly in areas such as infrastructure development, aviation, energy and foreign direct investment.
Government officials say the agreement reflects the broader strategy of enhancing Uganda’s international engagement and strengthening bilateral ties with strategic partners in the Middle East. The UAE has emerged as one of Uganda’s key trade and investment partners, with increasing commercial exchanges and high-level diplomatic visits shaping the relationship.
While the new arrangement primarily benefits diplomatic and service passport holders, authorities indicate that it signals continued dialogue between the two nations on mobility and cooperation frameworks. Observers note that such agreements often serve as stepping stones towards broader facilitation measures in the future.
For now, eligible travellers from both countries can take advantage of the visa-free regime within the stipulated timeframes, marking a significant development in Uganda–UAE diplomatic relations and a step forward in fostering closer bilateral engagement.