DUBAI (Raxanreeb Online) – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has updated its list of countries whose nationals will be barred from obtaining entry visas, adding Somalia effective 2026, according to an official statement.

The ban will also apply to citizens of Afghanistan, Libya, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Sudan, and Uganda.

Emirati authorities did not disclose the official reason for the move, describing it only as a temporary measure. However, regional reports suggest the decision may be linked to security considerations affecting countries included in the list.

Somalia’s inclusion stands out, as the country maintains longstanding ties with the UAE in areas such as trade, security, and political cooperation. It remains uncertain how the restrictions will impact Somali travelers and the wider relationship between the two nations.

The Somali government has not yet commented on the decision, though analysts expect an official response in the coming days, given the significance of mobility and cooperation between Mogadishu and Abu Dhabi.