Uganda has declared visa-free entry for citizens of 40 countries except for nationals visiting the east African country from the United States and Europe.
The visa waiver aims to ease the travel process, promote tourism, and enhance diplomacy and economic relationships with the partner countries, the Ugandan government said on its X page on Thursday.
The African countries that will not need to obtain a visa before traveling to Uganda are: Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, South Sudan, Seychelles, Mauritius, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Botswana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Comoros, Eritrea, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Ghana, and Eswatini.
“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.
Among the other non-African countries allowed to enter Uganda without a visa are: 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, and the Hong Kong SAR.
The United States, European Union countries, and the United Kingdom have not been granted visa-free entry to Uganda.
These changes to Uganda’s visa and entry policy follow the United States’ decision, effective January 21, 2026, to impose strict visa rules on Uganda.
This includes a refundable $15,000 bond for B1/B2 visas, a reduced validity period of three months, and restrictions on multiple entries.
“This policy supports official visits, high-level cooperation, and close collaboration between the two countries,” the government specified.
Uganda has also reduced the number of countries whose nationals can obtain diplomatic travel documents.
MG/abj/APA