KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda has been added to an expanded list of countries whose nationals must post refundable financial bonds of up to US $15,000 (approximately Sh1.9 million) as part of the United States’ visa application process, according to an official notice from the US Department of State.
The new requirement is part of a broader 12-month Visa Bond Programme, set to take effect on January 21, 2026, aimed at reducing overstays by foreign visitors.
Under the policy, Ugandan citizens applying for B1/B2 business and tourist visas may be directed by a consular officer to post a bond after their initial interview.
The bond amount — US $5,000, US $10,000, or US $15,000 — will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Officials emphasised that paying the bond does not guarantee visa approval. Applicants will receive a link to make payments through the US Treasury’s official Pay.gov platform and are warned not to use third-party sites, as fees paid outside official channels will not be refunded.
To qualify for a refund, travellers must comply with the terms of their visa, including departing the United States on or before the authorised date.
Bonds are also cancelled and refunded if the visa is denied or never used.
The move expands the programme to 38 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, with many African nations — including Nigeria, Senegal, Angola, Zimbabwe, Benin, and Togo — also added to the list.
Travel and Diplomatic Impact
For many Ugandans and travellers from low-income countries, the bond requirement dramatically increases the cost of visiting the United States, potentially eclipsing the standard visa fee of about US $160.
Critics say the policy could deter legitimate travel for business, tourism, education and family visits.
The policy’s inclusion of Uganda, which maintains long-standing diplomatic and security ties with the United States, has sparked concern among analysts who say the financial barrier could complicate people-to-people exchanges and weaken economic connections between the two countries.
What Applicants Should Know
- Bonds are only required if directed by a consular officer during the visa interview.
- Payments must be made through the Department of Treasury’s Pay.gov system.
- The bond does not guarantee visa issuance.
- Refunds are contingent on meeting all visa conditions.
- Applicants must enter and exit the US through designated ports of entry to ensure compliance.
