The Government of Uganda has announced free visa extensions for travellers whose journeys were disrupted following the closure of airspace in parts of the Middle East due to escalating tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs, through the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC), said foreign nationals stranded in Uganda because of flight cancellations or diversions will be granted visa extensions at no cost. Ugandans whose departures were interrupted have also been advised to report to immigration offices to regularize their travel status.
Simon Mundeyi, spokesperson for the ministry, said several passengers who had already been cleared for departure at Entebbe International Airport were forced to return after their flights were unable to proceed.
“There were travellers heading to destinations such as Dubai and Riyadh whose flights were turned back. Our system had already recorded them as having exited the country,” Mundeyi explained.
He warned that if the issue is not corrected, it could create complications in the future because their passports would reflect travel that did not actually take place. He advised affected passengers to report to immigration officials at Entebbe International Airport to cancel the incorrect exit records and avoid possible challenges during future travel.
The directive follows widespread cancellations and rerouting of flights after several Gulf states shut down or restricted their airspace due to the conflict. Among the most affected were passengers on a flight bound for the United Arab Emirates that departed from Entebbe but was denied landing clearance and forced to return.
The government’s measures also apply to foreign nationals whose visas expired after their planned departures were disrupted. Immigration authorities said such individuals should report to their offices to have their visas extended free of charge. Tourists affected by the travel disruptions have also been encouraged to regularize their stay.
Officials estimate that between 3,000 and 4,000 passengers are currently stranded at Entebbe International Airport, with the numbers expected to change as long as airspace restrictions remain in place. Travellers have been advised to postpone non-essential journeys until the situation stabilizes.
“Safety should come first. Those planning to travel should wait until normal operations resume,” Mundeyi said.
The ministry has also urged labour export companies to temporarily suspend sending Ugandan workers to the Middle East, noting that with the ongoing hostilities, it would be risky to deploy workers into the affected areas. Companies have been advised to closely monitor developments before resuming deployments.
He added that the disruptions have also affected government revenue, particularly from passport issuance, as some applicants who had scheduled collection appointments failed to appear after cancelling their travel plans.
According to data from the Bank of Uganda, the Middle East accounts for more than one-third of Uganda’s export earnings, highlighting the region’s significant economic importance to the country.
