Ugandans applying for a United States B1/B2 visitor visa, intended for tourism or business, will now be subject to a refundable visa bond requirement. This new policy, announced by the US Department of State, mandates applicants to pay between Shs18 million and Shs54 million (equivalent to US$5,000, US$10,000, or US$15,000) before their application can proceed. For Ugandan applicants, the requirement will take effect on January 21, 2026.

This measure is part of a 12-month visa bond pilot programme introduced by the US Department of State, primarily aimed at reducing the number of foreign nationals who overstay their visas. Nationals of Uganda, along with citizens from numerous other countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, including Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Senegal, Venezuela, and Cuba, are listed among those whose citizens may be required to post such a bond.

Under the programme, applicants found otherwise eligible for a B1/B2 visa will be informed during their visa interview if they are required to post the bond. The exact bond amount will be determined on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of a US consular officer. Successful applicants will receive a direct link to make the payment online through the US Treasury's Pay.gov system.

The B1/B2 visa is a United States non-immigrant visitor visa issued for short-term travel, combining categories for business visitors (B1) and tourists (B2). It permits activities such as attending meetings or conferences, negotiating contracts, tourism, visiting family or friends, receiving medical treatment, or participating in social events. However, it explicitly does not permit paid employment or long-term study, with each visit typically allowed for up to six months, subject to approval by US border officials.

The Department of State has cautioned that the payment of the bond does not guarantee visa issuance. Applicants are strictly advised to only make payment after being instructed to do so by a consular officer, as fees paid without such authorisation will not be refunded. A crucial condition of the bond for successful applicants is the requirement to enter and exit the United States only through designated ports of entry, which include Boston Logan International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and Washington Dulles International Airport. Failure to adhere to these designated ports can complicate compliance and may affect refund eligibility.

The bond will be automatically cancelled and refunded under specific circumstances: if the visa holder leaves the United States on or before the authorised period of stay, if they do not travel on the visa, or if they are denied admission at the port of entry. Conversely, if a traveller overstays their permitted time, applies to adjust to another immigration status, or fails to depart within the authorised period, the Department of Homeland Security may refer the case to US Citizenship and Immigration Services to determine whether the bond conditions have been breached.

In East Africa, Uganda and Tanzania are the only countries currently affected by this visa bond policy, although other African countries like Malawi and Zambia were included in the pilot programme earlier. The governments of the affected nations have yet to issue detailed public responses. However, travel agents have expressed concerns, warning that the new requirement is likely to significantly increase the cost of visiting the United States and create greater uncertainty for ordinary travellers. While US authorities defend the measure as necessary to lower visa overstay rates, critics argue it risks pricing ordinary travellers out of lawful visits and could strain diplomatic relations.