The government of Uganda has announced a visa-free entry policy for citizens of 40 countries and territories, a move aimed at simplifying travel procedures while strengthening tourism, diplomacy and economic cooperation.
The new policy means travellers from the listed countries will no longer need to obtain a visa before entering Uganda. Authorities say the decision forms part of a broader strategy to make cross-border movement easier and promote deeper regional and international partnerships.
The announcement was confirmed by the Uganda Ministry of Internal Affairs and implemented by the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control, the agency responsible for managing immigration services.
Officials said the decision reflects Uganda’s commitment to facilitating smoother travel and encouraging greater interaction between people and economies.
Several countries in the East African Community are included in the visa-free programme. These include Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, South Sudan, and Burundi.
Uganda already maintains strong trade, cultural and political ties with these neighbouring countries. The new arrangement is expected to further enhance the movement of people across borders and support closer regional cooperation.
Regional integration has been a central policy objective within the East African Community, particularly in areas such as trade, infrastructure development and mobility.
The Uganda visa-free entry policy also extends to several African countries outside the East African region. These include Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Gambia, Ghana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Eswatini, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Officials say expanding visa-free travel to these countries could improve intra-African mobility while strengthening economic cooperation and tourism flows across the continent.
The visa exemption programme also applies to several countries and territories outside Africa. These include Ireland, Malaysia, Singapore, Malta, Cyprus, and the United Arab Emirates, alongside several Caribbean and Pacific island states.
Authorities say including these destinations reflects Uganda’s intention to deepen diplomatic and economic engagement with a wide range of international partners.
Ugandan officials also clarified that citizens of visa-exempt countries who travel with Conventional Travel Documents (CTDs) issued by recognised authorities will be allowed to enter the country without applying for a visa.
This provision ensures that travellers who meet the documentation requirements can fully benefit from the visa-free arrangement.
Historically, Uganda required visas for most international visitors. However, the government has gradually relaxed entry requirements in line with regional integration goals.
In 2015, Uganda removed visa requirements for Kenya and Rwanda as part of efforts to strengthen movement within the East African Community. The 2026 policy expands the visa exemption list to 40 countries, representing one of the country’s most significant steps toward liberalising travel.
Officials believe the Uganda visa-free entry programme could increase tourism arrivals, stimulate business travel and support stronger economic and diplomatic ties between Uganda and its partner countries.