Uganda to UAE visa ban/restrictions cause tension on Ugandans.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced a 2026 visa ban affecting nine African and European nations, barring their citizens from applying for tourist and work visas.

According to an immigration circular, seen by The Eastleigh Voice, Uganda, Sudan, Somalia, Cameroon, and Libya are among those currently barred from applying for the visas.

The ban also affects applicants from Afghanistan, Yemen, Lebanon and Bangladesh, with applications from these countries not being processed until further notice.

"Nationals from certain countries are currently restricted from applying for UAE tourist visas and UAE work permits. Applications from these countries are not being accepted temporarily," the notice reads.

Although the UAE government has not publicly outlined the specific reasons, multiple reports link the restrictions to security concerns, strained diplomatic relations and health-related protocols first introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Gulf state has previously imposed similar restrictions, including on Nigerian applicants, though official confirmation has often varied.

The restrictions have disrupted expatriate communities and slowed business and tourism ties with the affected countries. For many, the UAE is a critical source of employment, with remittances playing a vital role in supporting families back home.

Workers from Bangladesh and African states, in particular, have also reported difficulties securing new contracts or renewing permits.

However, foreign nationals from the affected countries who are already living legally in the UAE with valid visas remain unaffected.

The visa ban is distinct from a travel ban, which applies to individuals regardless of nationality for reasons such as overstaying, holding forged documents or having unresolved criminal cases.

If and once lifted, citizens of the affected countries will be able to reapply for UAE tourist visas and work permits through official online portals, embassies or immigration offices.

For now, all other travellers must comply with standard UAE entry requirements, including a valid passport, approved UAE visa, negative COVID-19 test, proof of vaccination and adherence to health and quarantine regulations.