KAMPALA, Uganda — Ugandan travelers and business owners face new hurdles following Pakistan’s decision to suspend its visa-free entry policy for 34 African nations, including Uganda.
Effective Jan. 1, 2026, the Pakistani government scrapped its Visa Prior to Arrival program, which previously allowed Ugandan citizens to obtain a free, multiple-entry visa for up to 90 days. Travelers must now navigate a more expensive and bureaucratic standard e-visa system.
The policy shift affects 126 countries globally, but the impact is expected to be felt deeply across the African continent. Along with Uganda, countries such as Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Ethiopia are included in the suspension.
Under the new regulations, applicants must use Pakistan’s official e-visa portal. The move introduces mandatory fees and stricter documentation requirements, such as the submission of bank statements and formal invitation letters. While specific fees for Ugandan nationals have not been finalized, standard e-visa costs for other regions range between $35 and $60.
Economic analysts suggest the change could stifle the growing trade and educational ties between East Africa and South Asia. Pakistan has recently emerged as a vital commercial partner for the region; for example, it became Kenya’s largest export market in 2023.
For Ugandan traders, Pakistan serves as a primary source for textiles, pharmaceuticals, and manufactured goods. Conversely, African markets have become an increasingly important frontier for Pakistani exporters.
The timing of the decision coincides with a broader push for mobility within the continent through the African Continental Free Trade Area. Experts warn that the added financial and administrative friction may deter students, medical tourists, and entrepreneurs who had benefited from the previous ease of access.
Islamabad has not yet clarified if the suspension is a temporary measure or a permanent policy shift. For now, Ugandan travelers are advised to account for longer processing times and additional costs when planning trips to the South Asian nation.
