The government of Uganda has announced a new visa policy allowing nationals from 40 countries to enter the country without a visa, in a move aimed at boosting tourism, trade, and regional cooperation.
Under the new directive, travellers from the selected countries will be able to visit Uganda without applying for a visa in advance and will be permitted to stay for up to three months for tourism or business purposes.
Ugandan authorities say the decision is part of efforts to ease cross-border movement and strengthen economic and cultural ties with partner nations.
“This new decision facilitates travel and reflects Uganda’s continued commitment to promoting regional cooperation, tourism, trade, and people-to-people ties,” the government said in a statement posted on its official social media platforms.
African Countries Granted Visa-Free Entry
African nationals who will no longer require visas to enter Uganda include citizens of:
| No. | Country |
|---|---|
| 1 | Kenya |
| 2 | Tanzania |
| 3 | Rwanda |
| 4 | Burundi |
| 5 | South Sudan |
| 6 | Seychelles |
| 7 | Mauritius |
| 8 | Mozambique |
| 9 | Zambia |
| 10 | Zimbabwe |
| 11 | Malawi |
| 12 | Botswana |
| 13 | Lesotho |
| 14 | Madagascar |
| 15 | Comoros |
| 16 | Eritrea |
| 17 | Gambia |
| 18 | Sierra Leone |
| 19 | Ghana |
| 20 | Eswatini |
The move is expected to further facilitate regional travel and support the integration goals of the East African Community.
Other Countries Included
| Region | Countries / Territories |
|---|---|
| Europe | Ireland, Cyprus, Malta |
| Caribbean | Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago |
| Asia | Malaysia, Singapore |
| Middle East | United Arab Emirates |
| Pacific / Oceania | Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu |
| Special Administrative Region | Hong Kong SAR |
US, EU and UK Not Included
Despite the expanded visa-free list, nationals from the United States, European Union member states, and the United Kingdom will still be required to apply for visas before travelling to Uganda.
The policy change comes shortly after the United States introduced stricter visa measures for Ugandan citizens. Beginning January 21, 2026, Ugandan applicants for B1/B2 visas may be required to pay a refundable bond of up to $15,000, with visa validity reduced to three months and limitations placed on multiple entries.
Changes to Diplomatic Travel
Uganda has also reviewed its policy on diplomatic travel documents, limiting the number of countries eligible for special travel privileges.
Countries affected include Algeria, Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Russia, Senegal, South Africa, Turkey, Venezuela and Vietnam.
Officials say the revised diplomatic travel framework is intended to support official visits and strengthen high-level cooperation between Uganda and its international partners.
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