UAE eases Ebola entry curbs for Uganda, keeps them for DR Congo and South Sudan

The UAE relaxed its precautionary entry measures for Ugandan nationals on 26 September 2026. The decision came from NCEMA (National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority), together with MoHAP, the health ministry, and the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP). Measures covering the DR Congo and South Sudan remain unchanged.

The restrictions date back to June 2026 and the Ebola outbreak. On 6 June, the UAE suspended visas for citizens of Uganda, the DR Congo and South Sudan. Officials linked the change for Uganda to the end of its outbreak, once the internationally agreed monitoring period had run its course. Khaleej Times noted that Uganda's Health Minister, Chris Baryomunsi, declared the country free of Ebola in late July.

The UAE says it keeps monitoring Ebola developments in the region and worldwide. The authorities said all measures stay under review and will shift as risk assessments and public health standards evolve. Gulf News quoted them as seeking measures "proportionate to the assessed level of risk".

Khaleej Times called the DR Congo outbreak the worst in the country's history. Citing Congolese authorities, it put the toll at more than 7,000 cases and close to 3,400 deaths in what is the country's 17th Ebola epidemic.

Ugandan travellers planning a trip to Dubai should confirm current entry conditions with ICP or their airline before flying. For DR Congo and South Sudan nationals, the visa suspension stays in force.

Khaleej Times reported the decision, which Gulf News also covered.