Ugandans Face New $15,000 Visa Bond Requirement for U.S. Travel
The United States Embassy in Kampala has announced a significant new requirement for Ugandan applicants seeking business or tourist visas, introducing a refundable bond of up to $15,000 (approximately Shs 53 million).
The measure, detailed by U.S. Ambassador William Popp on February 5, 2026, is part of an expanded Visa Bond Pilot Program targeting countries with certain immigration risk factors. The program was reintroduced by the U.S. administration on January 21, 2026.
Under the new rules, Ugandans approved for B-1/B-2 nonimmigrant visas may be asked to post the bond before receiving their travel documents. Officials stressed the bond is fully refundable if travelers comply with all visa conditions, including departing the U.S. before their authorized stay expires and obeying U.S. laws.
“The visa bond requirement is not retroactive and is fully refunded to travelers who comply with terms and conditions of the U.S. visa,” the embassy stated.
However, the bond will be forfeited if a traveler overstays, breaks the law, remains unlawfully, or attempts to change their immigration status improperly—such as by seeking asylum after entering on a tourist visa.
Ambassador Popp emphasized that a U.S. visa is “a privilege granted for a specific purpose, not a right.” Consular Chief Tania Romanoff added that visa misuse can lead to removal, future visa ineligibility, and even a permanent ban from the United States. Providing false information during the application process could also result in criminal charges.
The embassy clarified that applicants should not pay any bond before their interview. A consular officer will first determine visa eligibility and then instruct approved applicants on the payment process and exact amount.
In a related development, the U.S. Department of State has temporarily paused the issuance of immigrant visas (for permanent residence) for nationals of 75 countries, including Uganda, effective January 21, 2026. This pause will remain until enhanced vetting assurances are met but does not affect nonimmigrant visas like those for tourism, study, or business.
Despite the new bond requirement and immigrant visa pause, the U.S. Embassy reaffirmed the strong people-to-people ties between the two nations and advised all travelers to verify their permitted stay dates via the Department of Homeland Security’s I-94 system and to depart on time.
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