In a move aimed at boosting tourism, trade, and regional integration, the government of Uganda has announced visa-free entry for citizens of 40 countries and territories, including neighbouring Kenya.
The policy, confirmed by the Uganda Ministry of Internal Affairs and implemented by the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control, is designed to make cross-border travel easier, strengthen diplomatic ties, and enhance economic cooperation with partner nations.
East African Nations Included
The visa exemption extends to several East African Community (EAC) member states, such as Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, South Sudan, and Burundi. These countries share strong trade, cultural, and political ties with Uganda, and the new arrangement is expected to facilitate the free movement of people and goods within the region.
African and Global Partners
Other African nations outside the immediate EAC region are also included, such as Botswana, Comoros, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Gambia, Ghana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Eswatini, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
The programme also covers select countries and territories outside Africa, including Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Cyprus, Fiji, Grenada, Ireland, Jamaica, Malaysia, Malta, Singapore, the Solomon Islands, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Arab Emirates, Vanuatu, and Hong Kong.
Travel Documents and Implementation
Ugandan authorities clarified that citizens of visa-exempt countries holding Conventional Travel Documents (CTDs) issued by any nation can enter Uganda without a visa, ensuring eligible travelers benefit fully from the arrangement.
This decision builds on previous EAC integration measures. Uganda had already waived visa requirements for Kenya and Rwanda in 2015, and the 2026 expansion represents a significant step toward liberalising travel and fostering people-to-people connections across the continent and beyond.
Government Statement
“Nationals from the countries and regions listed above are not required to obtain a visa before travelling to Uganda, in accordance with Uganda’s visa exemption arrangements. This provision facilitates smoother travel and reflects Uganda’s continued commitment to promoting regional integration, tourism, trade, and people-to-people connectivity,” the government said in an official statement.
The visa-free policy is expected to encourage greater tourism, cross-border trade, and stronger diplomatic ties, reflecting Uganda’s commitment to becoming more accessible and interconnected globally.
