Overview:

Pakistan has suspended its free visa-on-arrival program for 34 African nations, including Uganda. Starting Jan. 1, 2026, Ugandan travelers must apply for a standard paid e-visa, introducing new costs and documentation requirements for trade and tourism.

KAMPALA, Uganda — Ugandan travelers and business owners face new entry requirements for Pakistan following the suspension of a popular visa-free program that had been in place since 2024.

Pakistan has suspended its Visa Prior to Arrival (VPA) policy for 34 African nations, including Uganda, effective Jan. 1, 2026. Under the previous arrangement, Ugandan citizens could obtain a free, multiple-entry visa valid for 90 days through a simplified online process.

The change means that all Ugandan travelers, including tourists, students, and business professionals, must now apply through Pakistan’s standard e-visa system. The new process introduces mandatory fees and more rigorous documentation requirements.

While specific fees for Ugandan nationals are determined by reciprocity, standard e-visa costs for other regions typically range from $35 to $60. Applicants are now required to provide additional proof of travel, such as bank statements, hotel bookings, and formal invitation letters from hosts or business partners in Pakistan.

Local trade experts say the policy shift could create friction for Kampala-based traders who rely on South Asian markets for textiles, pharmaceuticals, and manufactured goods. In 2024, Uganda exported goods worth more than $15 million to Pakistan, with edible vegetables and cotton making up the bulk of the trade.

The suspension comes despite recent efforts to deepen bilateral ties. In January 2025, officials from both countries signed a memorandum of understanding in Kampala to boost political and economic consultations. At that time, Ugandan officials estimated that a diaspora of 10,000 Pakistanis was contributing to the local economy, and both nations had resolved to exchange business delegations through 2025.

Travelers are advised to apply for the new e-visa well in advance of their departure, as the standard system involves longer processing times than the 24-hour turnaround previously offered under the VPA scheme.

Islamabad has not yet indicated whether the suspension is a temporary administrative measure or a permanent change in its Engage Africa policy.