The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has suspended the issuance of all new visas for Ugandan nationals and banned travelers from the country, citing proactive measures to counter the spread of the Ebola virus.
According to 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), the directive takes effect at 1pm on Saturday, June 6, 2026. The suspension applies to all new visas, including visit visas, and affects Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and South Sudan.
“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 UAE authorities stated, adding that the decision remains subject to extension.
Under the new guidelines, travelers arriving directly from the three blacklisted nations, or those who have transited through them, will be denied entry into the UAE. The only exception applies to individuals who have spent more than 21 days-the maximum incubation period for the Ebola virus-outside the affected countries prior to their arrival. However, transit flight operations through the UAE and cargo flights will continue uninterrupted.
The UAE authorities noted they are working with international partners to monitor the situation and will adjust restrictions based on ongoing risk assessments.
Uganda’s Ministry of Health, reported a cumulative total of 19 confirmed cases as of Saturday, June 6, 2026. This total comprises 14 imported cases and five Ugandan nationals, although encouragingly, there are 0 new cases reported in this specific update.
Out of the total recorded cases, the health system currently has 13 active admissions under medical care. On a positive note, 4 individuals have been successfully discharged, while two deaths have been registered, both of which were from the imported cases category. The Ministry of Health reassures the public that the situation is controlled and Uganda remains safe.