KAMPALA – In a major relief for thousands of Ugandan students, business owners, and medical tourists, the Government of India has officially resumed all visa services for Ugandan citizens.
Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Adonia Ayebare, announced the decision on Wednesday, confirming that both e-Visa and paper/regular visa processing have been fully restored.
“I am happy to announce that the friendly Government of India has decided to resume all visa services (both e-Visa and Regular Visa) for the nationals of Uganda,” Ayebare stated in a post on X.
However, certain public health safeguards remain active. Travelers arriving from Uganda must still submit a health self-declaration form, undergo thermal screening, and comply with routine health monitoring at Indian ports of entry.
Minister Ayebare expressed gratitude to India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, for facilitating the process, noting that he would meet him later in the day to formally convey Uganda’s appreciation.
The policy shift follows official declarations by the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) confirming the end of the recent Ebola outbreak. India had previously limited visa operations as a precautionary measure during the Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease outbreak, which impacted regions across Uganda and the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo earlier this year.
The visa suspension had disrupted critical plans for many Ugandans who depend on India for specialized healthcare—particularly complex surgeries, oncology, and advanced diagnostics. India is also a key destination for Ugandan university students pursuing degrees in medicine, engineering, IT, and business, as well as traders importing pharmaceuticals, machinery, and textiles.
Diplomatic analysts view the swift restoration of visa processing as a testament to the strong bilateral ties between Kampala and New Delhi. India remains one of Uganda’s vital development partners, with substantial investments spanning infrastructure, capacity building, and trade.
While travel restrictions have been lifted, health authorities in both nations emphasize ongoing vigilance. Ugandan travelers are advised to complete their health forms in advance and ensure all entry documentation—including valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificates where required—is in order.
The full restoration of travel channels is expected to ease the backlog for patients awaiting medical care, allow students to resume their academic schedules, and revitalize bilateral trade between the two nations.
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