MOFA urges nationals to postpone tourism and business travel to Uganda

MOFA urges nationals to postpone tourism and business travel to Uganda

• Date：2026-08-13
• Data Source：Department of West Asian and African Affairs

August 13, 2026

No.384

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has learned that on the afternoon of August 12, three ROC (Taiwan) nationals-a business traveler and accompanying family members-had their passports withheld by immigration officials upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport in Kampala, the capital of Uganda. Although the nationals were eventually granted entry, the officers unreasonably demanded that they produce Chinese passports to receive entry stamps before having their Taiwan passports returned, stating that the measure was part of Uganda's "one China policy."

The incident follows another recent episode, in which officials at the airport confiscated the passports of two Taiwan nationals, one of whom was subsequently deported.

MOFA promptly gained an understanding of the situation, and the Taiwan Representative Office in the Republic of Somaliland, which covers consular affairs related to Uganda, immediately provided necessary care and assistance to the affected nationals.

The government of Uganda has yet to officially announce any adjustments to its visa and entry requirements for Taiwan nationals. However, in consideration of recent cases of Taiwan nationals encountering difficulties entering Uganda, MOFA urges nationals to carefully consider the necessity and potential risks of travel and advises them to postpone their journeys. MOFA also reminds nationals who are in Uganda to remain vigilant and stay in touch with the representative office in Somaliland. The office and other relevant overseas missions will continue to monitor the situation, negotiate with the Ugandan government, and offer appropriate assistance to affected nationals.

Nearly 70 Taiwan nationals are currently in Uganda. Around 35 Taiwanese businesses have investments in the country, which contribute to local job creation. In recent years, a growing number of Taiwanese tourists have visited Uganda, bringing significant economic benefits.

MOFA expresses serious concern over the recent entry restrictions targeting Taiwan nationals at Uganda's airport. It urges the Ugandan government to face the internationally recognized reality that the ROC (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent nation and that neither it nor the People's Republic of China is subordinate to the other. MOFA calls on Uganda to refrain from imposing inappropriate and politically motivated border controls that interrupt normal bilateral exchanges and harm mutual interests.

In the event of a crisis or emergency in Uganda, MOFA reminds nationals to seek necessary assistance by calling the emergency hotline of the Taiwan Representative Office in the Republic of Somaliland at +252-636-292-616 or the MOFA emergency hotline for overseas nationals at +886-800-085-095. (E)