The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has suspended the issuance of new visas to Ugandan nationals and imposed travel restrictions on arrivals from Uganda, citing efforts to prevent the spread of Ebola.
The directive, announced in a joint statement by the UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), took effect at 1:00pm on Saturday, June 6.
The restrictions also apply to travellers from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and South Sudan.
According to the statement, the suspension covers all new visa categories, including visit visas.
“The measures are part of the UAE’s proactive and preventive efforts to strengthen national preparedness and respond to developments related to the Ebola virus,” the authorities said.
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Officials added that the restrictions could be extended depending on how the public health situation evolves.
Under the new rules, travellers arriving directly from Uganda, the DRC or South Sudan, as well as those who have recently transited through the three countries, will not be permitted to enter the UAE.
However, an exception has been made for travellers who have spent more than 21 days outside the affected countries before travelling to the UAE. The 21-day period corresponds to the maximum incubation period of the Ebola virus.
The UAE said transit passenger operations and cargo flights would continue as normal.
Authorities also noted that they were working closely with international partners and would continue reviewing the situation based on ongoing risk assessments.
The announcement comes as Uganda continues to monitor cases linked to the current Ebola outbreak.
According to Uganda’s Ministry of Health, the country had recorded a cumulative total of 19 confirmed Ebola cases by Saturday, June 6, 2026. Of these, 14 were imported cases while five involved Ugandan nationals.
Health officials reported no new infections in the latest update.
The ministry said 13 patients remain under treatment, while four people have recovered and been discharged. Two deaths have been recorded, both involving imported cases.
Officials have maintained that response measures remain in place and that the situation is under control.
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