KAMPALA, Uganda — Starting 21 January 2026, Ugandan nationals seeking to travel to the United States for tourism or business will face a new financial hurdle under expanded U.S. visa bond rules that could force many to post substantial deposits before their applications can proceed.
The U.S. Department of State has added Uganda to a growing list of countries subject to a visa bond pilot programme, requiring some applicants for B1/B2 visitor visas to lodge refundable bonds of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000; equivalent to roughly Shs 18 million, Shs 36 million and Shs 54 million respectively, at the discretion of U.S. consular officers.
Under the policy, applicants who are otherwise eligible for a visitor visa will be informed during their consular interview whether they must post a bond. Those instructed to do so will be given access to the U.S. Treasury’s pay.gov platform to make the payment online.
Officials emphasise that the bond does not guarantee visa issuance. If travellers comply with all visa conditions; including entering and leaving the United States within the authorised period, the funds will be refunded.
However, overstaying or seeking to adjust status could lead to forfeiture after a review by the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Record cost increase for Ugandan travellers
The new requirement represents a dramatic increase in the cost of U.S. travel for many Ugandans.
Currently, a standard non-immigrant B1/B2 visa application from Uganda costs about $160 (around Shs 598,000), far below the new bond amounts.
By comparison, Uganda’s GDP per capita was estimated at around $987 to $1,073 in 2024, highlighting the disproportionate burden the bonds could place on ordinary citizens.
The pilot programme, initially rolled out in 2020 but stalled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was extended and expanded in 2025 and now covers more than 30 countries with high rates of visa overstays or perceived screening vulnerabilities.
A Reuters analysis suggests that consular officers generally expect bonds of at least $10,000 for many applicants, but the precise amount is decided on a case-by-case basis.
Across Africa, nations affected by similar requirements include Nigeria, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Senegal, Angola, Algeria, Benin, Burundi, Djibouti, Togo, Malawi and Namibia, among others.
Impact on travel and business
Tourism operators, export-oriented businesses and travel agents in Kampala have expressed concern that the bonds will raise the cost of travel, dampen tourism revenue, and complicate legitimate business and educational trips.
Local tourism entrepreneur Amos Wekesa described the measure as unfair and discriminatory, warning that the financial burden could disadvantage Ugandan enterprises operating in global markets.
“Just imagine, as a local tour operator based in Uganda, I compete with an American here in tourism,” Wekesa said in a post on X (formerly Twitter), arguing that the policy may restrict growth and cross-border collaboration.
Education consultants and Kampala-based travel agents also warn that the new requirement could dissuade families from sending students abroad and may similarly reduce interest in U.S. tourism among first-time visitors.
Diplomatic sensitivities and policy rationale
Uganda’s inclusion in the expanded visa bond list comes amid longstanding diplomatic ties between Kampala and Washington that stretch back more than six decades.
Analysts note that Uganda plays a key role in regional security efforts, including peacekeeping and counter-terrorism operations in East Africa, which align with U.S. strategic interests in the region.
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U.S. officials maintain that the bonds are intended to reduce the incidence of visa overstays and enhance compliance.
The rule is part of a broader set of immigration measures under the current administration, including heightened border enforcement and expanded interviews, aimed at curbing unauthorised migration flows.
As of late Tuesday evening, the Ugandan government had not issued an official response to the policy or indicated whether reciprocal measures might be considered.
Countries subject to US visa bond requirements
- Algeria (January 21, 2026)
- Angola (January 21, 2026)
- Antigua and Barbuda (January 21, 2026)
- Bangladesh (January 21, 2026)
- Benin (January 21, 2026)
- Bhutan (January 1, 2026)
- Botswana (January 1, 2026)
- Burundi (January 21, 2026)
- Cabo Verde (January 21, 2026)
- Central African Republic (January 1, 2026)
- Cote D’Ivorie (January 21, 2026)
- Cuba (January 21, 2026)
- Djibouti (January 21, 2026)
- Dominica (January 21, 2026)
- Fiji (January 21, 2026)
- Gabon (January 21, 2026)
- The Gambia (October 11, 2025)
- Guinea (January 1, 2026)
- Guinea Bissau (January 1, 2026)
- Kyrgyzstan (January 21, 2026)
- Malawi (August 20, 2025)
- Mauritania (October 23, 2025)
- Namibia (January 1, 2026)
- Nepal (January 21, 2026)
- Nigeria (January 21, 2026)
- Sao Tome and Principe (October 23, 2025)
- Senegal (January 21, 2026)
- Tajikistan (January 21, 2026)
- Tanzania (October 23, 2025)
- Togo (January 21, 2026)
- Tonga (January 21, 2026)
- Turkmenistan (January 1, 2026)
- Tuvalu (January 21, 2026)
- Uganda (January 21, 2026)
- Vanuatu (January 21, 2026)
- Venezuela (January 21, 2026)
- Zambia (August 20, 2025)
- Zimbabwe (January 21, 2026)
