The government has issued new guidelines for Ugandan citizens traveling to countries with visa-free policies. These guidelines aim to address the increasing challenges faced by Ugandan travelers. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, travelers to these countries must now adhere to the following requirements:
- Prior Hotel Bookings: Travelers must have confirmed hotel reservations in the destination country.
- Letter from Host: They need to provide a letter from their host in the destination country.
- Return Ticket: Travelers must possess a return ticket before departing Uganda.
Ministry spokesperson Simon Mundeyi emphasized that even in countries where visas are not required, applicants must apply for a visa and have a well-documented travel plan with valid reasons for their visit.
Mundeyi revealed these measures during a weekly security meeting at the Uganda Police headquarters, addressing an increasing number of Ugandans making distress calls, some as late as 3:00 a.m., due to entry refusals by their host countries.
Previously, the Ministry had released a list of countries with visa-free policies for Ugandans, which has likely led to a surge in Ugandan travelers. However, some individuals have not followed the correct procedures.
As of September 2023, the Ugandan passport ranks 140th globally on the VisaGuide Passport Index, allowing visa-free travel to 39 countries.
Here is a table listing the countries mentioned:
| Countries |
|---|
| Antigua and Barbuda |
| Bahamas |
| Barbados |
| Belize |
| Benin |
| Botswana |
| British Virgin Islands |
| Burundi |
| Cook Islands |
| Dominica |
| Ecuador |
| Eritrea |
| Fiji |
| Ghana |
| Grenada |
| Haiti |
| Hong Kong |
| Jamaica |
| Kenya |
| Lesotho |
| Malawi |
| Malaysia |
| Mauritius |
| Micronesia |
| Montserrat |
| Mozambique |
| Niue |
| Philippines |
| Rwanda |
| Singapore |
| South Sudan |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis |
| Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
| Tanzania |
| Gambia |
| Vanuatu |
| Zambia |
| Zimbabwe |
| Eswatini |
[End of Story]
