Uganda Grants Visa-Free Entry to 40 Countries, Excluding US and EU

Staff

Mar 13, 2026 · 2 min read · 55 views

Uganda has expanded visa-free travel to dozens of countries in a move officials say will support tourism, trade, and regional mobility.

KAMPALA, Uganda — March 13, 2026

Updated: March 13, 2026, 19:10 GMT

Uganda has approved visa-free entry for nationals of 40 countries as part of a policy change aimed at easing travel and strengthening regional mobility, according to officials from the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control and reporting by Reuters and the BBC.

Ugandan authorities confirmed that the revised entry framework expands visa-free access primarily for African, Asian, and Caribbean states while excluding citizens of the United States and European Union member countries.

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The Republic of Uganda allows visa‑free entry for holders of Diplomatic and Official Passports from partner countries with visa abolition… pic.twitter.com/bhxIM4uoTA
— Government of Uganda (@GovUganda) March 12, 2026

The Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control said the measure is designed to facilitate tourism, trade, and diplomatic exchanges with partner countries while maintaining existing visa requirements for other jurisdictions.

Officials said the list of eligible states includes several African countries as well as selected nations in Asia and the Caribbean that maintain reciprocal travel arrangements with Uganda. Government officials noted that visa policies remain subject to periodic review based on bilateral agreements and immigration security assessments.

Uganda’s Ministry of Internal Affairs said the policy aligns with the country’s broader strategy to improve travel access and attract investment while strengthening diplomatic ties with partner states across the Global South.

Regional analysts say the initiative reflects a broader trend among African governments seeking to expand visa-free travel arrangements within the continent and with emerging economic partners.

Across Africa, mobility policies remain a key component of economic integration initiatives under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area and the African Union’s long-standing push for freer movement of people. Decisions by major regional economies like Uganda on visa access can influence tourism flows, trade connections, and diplomatic engagement across the continent.