By Samuel Ssenono
Uganda has been added to a new United States visa bond pilot programme, requiring eligible travellers to post financial bonds of up to $15,000 before being issued certain visitor visas, according to the latest update from the US Department of State.
Under the policy, which takes effect on January 21, 2026, Ugandan nationals applying for B1/B2 visitor visas may be required to post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, depending on the assessment made at the time of the visa interview.
The move is part of a broader pilot programme targeting countries with higher overstay rates, as outlined under INA Section 221(g)(3) and the Temporary Final Rule (TFR) establishing the initiative. The Department of State says the decision is based on data from the Department of Homeland Security’s Entry/Exit Overstay Report.
Uganda is among more than 30 countries affected, including Nigeria, Tanzania, Angola, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Burundi, Senegal, Namibia, Botswana, and Venezuela, among others. Implementation dates vary, with some countries already affected since 2025, while most, including Uganda, will come under the rule in January 2026.
How the Visa Bond Works
The bond applies to travellers who are otherwise eligible for a B1/B2 visa. Applicants will only be directed to post a bond after instruction from a consular officer and must submit Form I-352 through the US government’s official payment platform Pay.gov. The US government has warned applicants not to use third-party websites, noting that any payments made outside official systems will not be refunded.
Officials emphasised that paying a bond does not guarantee visa issuance, and applicants who submit fees without being instructed by a consular officer risk losing their money.
Designated Ports of Entry
As a condition of the bond, affected travellers must enter and exit the United States through designated ports of entry. These currently include:
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Failure to use these ports could result in denied entry or departure records not being properly captured.
Bond Compliance and Breach
The bond will be cancelled and refunded if:
- The traveller departs the US on or before the authorised stay period,
- The traveller does not use the visa before it expires, or The traveller is denied admission at the US port of entry.
However, cases of suspected breach, including overstaying, failure to depart, or attempts to adjust immigration status such as seeking asylum, will be referred to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for further action.
Other Countries on the List
Other countries included in the programme are Algeria, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Fiji, Gabon, Guinea, Kyrgyzstan, Malawi, Mauritania, Nepal, Sao Tome and Principe, Tajikistan, Togo, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
The US government says the pilot programme is aimed at strengthening compliance with visa conditions and reducing overstays, while allowing legitimate travel to continue
