KAMPALA, Uganda- Uganda and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have formally commenced a visa waiver agreement allowing holders of diplomatic and service passports to travel between the two countries without a visa.
Under the arrangement, UAE officials with diplomatic or service passports can enter Uganda for up to 90 days without seeking prior approval. Ugandan officials with similar passports are granted the same facility when travelling to the UAE.
The agreement, which came into effect in early February 2026, is part of broader efforts by both countries to strengthen diplomatic and political ties, and to facilitate official travel for government representatives.
Ugandan and UAE officials have described the waiver as a significant step towards deepening bilateral relations, easing administrative procedures, and promoting cooperation in political, economic, and regional affairs.
It is important to note that the waiver does not apply to ordinary passport holders, who must still obtain visas according to standard entry requirements.
The move comes amid a growing trend of countries introducing visa exemptions for official travel, reflecting increased emphasis on diplomatic collaboration and streamlined government-to-government engagement.
