The Government of Uganda has announced a new visa‑free entry policy allowing nationals of 40 countries to travel to Uganda without a visa for stays of up to three months for tourism or business purposes. The measure is part of Uganda’s broader effort to promote regional integration, tourism growth, and cross‑border trade.
Under the new policy, eligible travelers will no longer be required to apply for or obtain a visa prior to arrival. However, the United States, European Union member states, and the United Kingdom are not included in the visa‑free list.
African Countries Granted Visa‑Free Access
Nationals of the following African countries may now enter Uganda visa‑free:
- Kenya
- Tanzania
- Rwanda
- Burundi
- South Sudan
- Seychelles
- Mauritius
- Mozambique
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- Malawi
- Botswana
- Lesotho
- Madagascar
- Comoros
- Eritrea
- The Gambia
- Sierra Leone
- Ghana
- Eswatini
These changes align with Uganda’s stated objective of strengthening regional cooperation and people‑to‑people mobility across Africa.
Visa‑Free Entry for Select Non‑African Countries
In addition to African nationals, citizens of several non‑African countries and territories have also been granted visa‑free access to Uganda, including:
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Cyprus
- Fiji
- Grenada
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- United Arab Emirates
- Vanuatu
- Hong Kong SAR
Travelers from all other countries not listed must continue to apply for a visa and obtain approval before entering Uganda.
In announcing the changes, the Ugandan government stated that the decision “facilitates travel and reflects Uganda’s continued commitment to promoting regional cooperation, tourism, trade, and people‑to‑people ties.”
Exclusion of the United States and European Union
Notably, US, EU, and U.K. nationals remain subject to visa requirements. The policy shift follows recent changes in US immigration measures affecting Ugandan travelers, which took effect January 21, 2026.
Changes to Diplomatic Travel Privileges
Uganda has also narrowed the list of countries whose nationals are eligible for diplomatic travel documents, limiting such access to support official visits and high‑level cooperation.
Countries currently affected include:
- Algeria
- Cuba
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- India
- Iran
- Russia
- Senegal
- South Africa
- Turkey (diplomatic passports only)
- Venezuela
- Vietnam
According to the Ugandan government, this adjustment is intended to support official diplomatic engagement and structured bilateral cooperation.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.