Ugandans to Face Up to Sh56m Visa Bond as U.S. Tightens Entry Rules
By
Edmund Owusu
KAMPALA, Uganda — Ugandan citizens planning short-term travel to the United States are facing a steep new financial hurdle. Under a newly implemented "Visa Bond Pilot Program," certain travelers may now be required to post a refundable bond of up to $15,000 (approximately Sh56 million) before a visa is issued.
A New Barrier for Business and Tourism
The policy, which officially took effect on January 21, 2026, specifically targets applicants for B1 (Business) and B2 (Tourism) visas. While the requirement does not apply to every applicant, U.S. consular officers now have the discretion to mandate a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 based on their assessment of an individual’s risk of overstaying their visa.
The U.S. Department of State identified Uganda as one of more than 30 countries—including several other African nations like Nigeria, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe—subject to this pilot program due to higher rates of visa overstays.
How the Bond Works
The bond is designed as a financial guarantee that the traveler will return to Uganda before their authorized stay expires.
Official Instruction Required: Applicants should not pay a bond unless specifically instructed to do so by a consular officer during their interview.
Payment Security: All payments must be made through the official U.S. government platform, Pay.gov. The U.S. Mission has warned travelers to avoid third-party websites to prevent fraud.
Refund Policy: The bond is refundable if the traveler departs the U.S. on time or if the visa application is ultimately denied.
Wider Shifts in U.S. Immigration Policy
This bond program arrives alongside even stricter measures. As of late January 2026, the U.S. has also paused the issuance of immigrant visas to nationals of 75 countries, including Uganda. This broader suspension is reportedly tied to "Presidential Proclamation 10998," which aims to restrict entry for nationals from countries deemed at high risk for relying on U.S. public assistance.
"A Deterrent for Honest Travelers"
The move has sparked significant concern among Ugandan business leaders and families. Travel agencies in Kampala report that the high cost, roughly equivalent to the price of a mid-range vehicle or a plot of land, is already deterring legitimate tourists and entrepreneurs from pursuing travel to the U.S.
"For many hardworking Ugandans, finding Sh50 million just to prove you will come back is an impossible task," said one local travel consultant. "It effectively prices out the middle class from international opportunities."
While Ambassador William W. Popp and the U.S. Mission in Uganda continue to promote educational and exchange programs through initiatives like the newly reopened American Center, the tightening of visa rules signals a more restrictive era for U.S.-Uganda relations.