The U.S. Embassy in Uganda has temporarily suspended all visa services amid increasing fears over the continued outbreak of Ebola in the region.
In a notice dated May 18, 2026, the embassy said it had “immediately suspended” all visa processing at its Kampala offices. The suspension impacts tourist, student, business and work visas, leaving many applicants stranded and uncertain about their travel plans.
The embassy said it had already contacted applicants with appointments and told them to wait for further communications before making new arrangements.
“Visa appointments are not currently available at the U.S. Embassy Kampala,” the statement read.
The decision comes as Uganda and neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) battle a new Ebola outbreak that health officials say continues to spread across border areas.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported hundreds of suspected infections and dozens of deaths in eastern DRC, while Uganda has confirmed several cases and deaths in Kampala and western border districts.
Health experts said the outbreak was the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a rare variant first found in Uganda in 2007. Health authorities are worried because this is the Bundibugyo strain, which is not covered by the Zaire strain vaccines that have been approved for use, and there is no specific treatment for it either.
Since then, the Ministry of Health increased border screening, contact tracing and isolation to try to curb the virus. Airports, hospitals, and border points have also seen increased surveillance by authorities due to heavy movement between Uganda and the DRC.
The Ebola virus is spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person and can cause symptoms including fever, vomiting, diarrhoea and internal bleeding.
Uganda has dealt with multiple Ebola outbreaks before, including one recently that health officials contained through aggressive testing, isolation, and public awareness campaigns.
The U.S. Embassy said it will continue to monitor the situation and will announce when visa services resume despite the temporary suspension.
