The United States Department of State has launched a visa‑bond pilot program that will take effect on January 21, 2026. Under the program, Ugandan nationals applying for a B‑1/B‑2 visitor visa must post a refundable bond ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 (approximately Shs 18 million to Shs 54 million). The bond is intended to curb the number of foreign nationals who overstay their visas. Uganda is one of four countries included in the pilot, alongside Tanzania, Malawi, and Zambia.
The bond amount will be determined case‑by‑case by a U.S. consular officer and must be paid online through the U.S. Treasury’s Pay.gov system. Applicants who are found eligible for a B‑1/B‑2 visa will be notified during their visa interview if a bond is required. A B‑1/B‑2 visa is a non‑immigrant visitor visa for short‑term travel to the United States, covering business meetings, tourism, and social events. It does not allow paid employment or long‑term study and is typically valid for up to six months.
The Department of State cautions that paying the bond does not guarantee visa issuance; applicants should only make a payment after a consular officer explicitly instructs them to do so. The bond will be cancelled and refunded if the visa holder departs the United States on or before the authorized period of stay. If a traveler overstays or fails to leave within the authorized time, the Department of Homeland Security may refer the case to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to determine whether the bond conditions have been breached.
The new requirement is expected to raise the cost of visiting the United States and create greater uncertainty for ordinary travelers. Travel agents have warned that the visa‑bond policy could significantly affect the travel plans of Ugandan nationals. The governments of the affected countries have not yet issued detailed public responses. The 12‑month pilot program will assess the effectiveness of the visa bond in reducing visa overstays.
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