The government of Uganda has announced a new policy allowing citizens of 40 countries to enter the country without a visa, in a move officials say is aimed at boosting tourism and strengthening regional cooperation.
According to the official statement, travelers from the countries covered by the decision will be able to stay in Uganda for up to three months for tourism or business purposes without the need to obtain a visa in advance.
The list includes several African countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Botswana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Comoros, Eritrea, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Ghana, and Eswatini, in addition to Seychelles, Mauritius, and Mozambique.
The list also includes countries from outside Africa such as the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Singapore, Cyprus, Malta, Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, as well as Hong Kong and several countries in the Caribbean and the Pacific.
However, Uganda excluded the United States, countries of the European Union, and the United Kingdom from these facilities, meaning their citizens will still be required to obtain a visa in advance.
The decision comes after Washington imposed stricter visa restrictions on Ugandan citizens starting in January 2026, including a requirement to deposit a financial guarantee of $15,000 for short-term visitor visas.
The government said the new policies reflect its commitment to “enhancing regional cooperation, boosting tourism, and facilitating the movement of people,” at a time when relations with some international powers are experiencing tensions due to reciprocal visa measures.