Unlock Uganda’s tourism potential through a visa-free regime

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OPINION

By Lilly Ajarova

The movement of people across borders is a defining feature of globalisation, offering tremendous opportunities for economic transformation, cultural exchange and technological collaboration.

For Uganda, a country endowed with a rich array of natural and cultural assets, this global mobility presents a critical lever for socio-economic progress — if leveraged strategically.

However, visa restrictions remain one of the most significant non-tariff barriers to tourism growth. Research by the London School of Economics shows that the introduction of a visa requirement can reduce tourist inflows by more than 20%. Broader global studies suggest visa restrictions cut travel flows by up to 63%, reduce bilateral trade by 21%, and lower foreign direct investment by as much as 32%.

If we are serious about Uganda’s aspiration to become a global tourism powerhouse, we must re-examine and reform our current visa policies.

Tourism remains one of the most dynamic and inclusive sectors of Uganda’s economy. It supports livelihoods across a wide range of actors — smallholder farmers, craft-makers, tour guides, transport operators and hoteliers.

In 2019 alone, inbound tourists spent over sh4.6 trillion, while domestic tourism generated sh3 trillion.

According to the National Development Plan IV and the Ten-Fold Growth Strategy, tourism is projected to contribute $50b to Uganda’s GDP by 2040 — a 25-fold increase from current levels. These are not abstract numbers. They represent real jobs, local investment and catalytic growth for our entire economy.

To realise this, however, we must remove the barriers that deter international visitors, beginning with visa access.

Uganda continues to trail behind regional peers in attracting leisure travelers. In 2023, less than 16% of visitors to Uganda came for leisure, compared to 63% for Kenya and 68% for Tanzania.

Meanwhile, Kenya and Rwanda have already introduced visa-free travel for African nationals, positioning themselves as more accessible and attractive destinations. Uganda’s own data reinforces this picture. Nearly 90% of our arrivals come from within Africa, and among these, 99% are from visa-exempt countries.

Conversely, all top overseas source markets (US, UK, China, India, Germany, etc.) require visas to enter Uganda — effectively deterring potential high-value visitors.

A visa-free regime would significantly elevate Uganda’s appeal in the global tourism market. The benefits are clear:

1. Increased revenue: World Bank simulations show that attracting an additional 100,000 leisure tourists would add 11% to export earnings and 1.6% to GDP.

2. Higher spending and longer stays: Simplified access boosts the likelihood of longer trips and greater in-destination spending.

3. Stronger hospitality and service Sectors: Higher tourist volumes translate into greater demand for hotels, transport, food and entertainment, directly fueling job creation.

4. Improved image and global appeal: Visa-free destinations are perceived as open, safe, and visitor-friendly.

5. Alignment with AU and EAC goals: This move directly supports Agenda 2063’s free movement protocol and the EAC Vision 2050, which call for a single East African tourist visa and joint marketing.

Moreover, visa-free access fosters cultural exchange, technology transfer, and diplomatic goodwill, creating ripple effects across sectors far beyond tourism.

With Uganda set to co-host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027, we have a golden opportunity to position ourselves as a welcoming destination for continental and global visitors.

Visa-free access for fans, media, investors, and sports delegations will not only boost attendance, but also showcase Uganda’s hospitality, infrastructure and cultural richness to the world. This move will also allow Uganda to compete fairly with Kenya, which has already removed visa requirements for all Africans — an important consideration given the integrated nature of our tourism circuits and the competitive landscape.

Uganda’s potential as a premier tourism destination is unquestionable. However, realising this potential requires policy shifts that reduce friction for travelers. Visa-free access is not just a convenience — it is a strategic economic and diplomatic tool.

I strongly recommend that the Government of Uganda adopts a visa free regime for targeted international markets, especially leisure source countries and African nations, in alignment with our national growth strategies and continental commitments. This is a bold step, but it is the right step. As we prepare for AFCON 2027 and pursue our vision for a $50b tourism economy, let us ensure that our visa policy is an enabler, not a bottleneck.

The world is ready to explore Uganda. We must make it easier for them to come.

The writer is a senior presidential advisor on tourism