Uganda announces visa-free entry for 40 countries, excluding US and EU

Travelers from eligible countries can stay up to three months for tourism or business

Uganda has announced visa-free entry for nationals of 40 countries, with the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union nations notably excluded from the list. The Ugandan government announced the policy on X on March 11, 2026.

Travelers from eligible countries will no longer need to obtain a visa and can stay for up to three months for tourism or business purposes.

Full list of visa-free countries

Africa: Botswana, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Eswatini (Swaziland), Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Caribbean: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Europe: Cyprus, Ireland, and Malta.

Asia and Middle East: Hong Kong SAR, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates.

Pacific: Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu.

US, UK, and EU citizens excluded

Nationals of the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union countries have not been granted visa-free entry to Uganda and will continue to need a visa.

The policy change follows the United States' decision, effective January 21, 2026, to impose strict visa rules on Ugandan nationals. These include a refundable US$15,000 bond for B1/B2 visas, a reduced validity period of three months, and restrictions on multiple entries.

Changes to diplomatic visa arrangements

Uganda has also reduced the number of countries whose nationals can obtain diplomatic travel documents. The countries now eligible are: Algeria, Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Russia, Senegal, South Africa, Turkey (for diplomats only), Venezuela, and Vietnam.