The United States government has added Uganda to a new visa bond pilot programme that will require some Ugandan nationals to post a refundable financial bond of up to US $15,000 as a condition for obtaining certain US visitor visas, the US Department of State has confirmed.
Under the policy, which takes effect on January 21, 2026, Ugandan nationals applying for B1/B2 business or tourist visas may be directed by a US consular officer to post a bond of US $5,000, US $10,000, or US $15,000, with the specific amount determined during the visa interview.
The move is part of a 12-month pilot programme aimed at reducing the number of foreign nationals who overstay their visas in the United States.
In a statement, the US government said that it had identified nationals from these countries as needing visa bonds and that the requirement applies regardless of place of application, explaining that the bond is designed to ensure visitors depart the US before their authorised stay ends.
“The Department of State has identified nationals from these countries as needing visa bonds, regardless of place of application,” the notice said.
Officials emphasised that paying the bond does not guarantee a visa, and payments made outside the official US government platform will not be refunded.
The bond is refundable only if the visa is denied or the traveller complies fully with their visa conditions, including leaving the United States on time.
Travel industry experts in Kampala and beyond have already commented on the implications of the rule.
One travel agent said that the high bond levels could dampen demand for US travel, particularly for first-time visitors and small-business travellers who may find the upfront cost prohibitive.
Another travel consultant noted that such a financial requirement could change patterns of short-term travel to the United States entirely, saying it raises the financial bar substantially and may make the US a far less accessible destination for leisure tourism and business trips from Uganda.
Uganda joins a growing list of more than 30 countries, including Nigeria, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, now subject to the new US visa bond regime, part of broader global efforts by Washington to address migration and visa overstay concerns.