US Introduces Refundable Visa Bond for Ugandan B1/B2 Applicants, Raising Entry Barriers
Ugandans seeking to visit the United States for business or tourism will soon face a significant new hurdle: a refundable visa bond requirement ranging from Shs18 million to Shs54 million. This policy, announced by the US Department of State, is set to take effect on January 21, 2026, and specifically targets applicants for the popular B1/B2 visitor visa categories.
The new measure is part of a 12-month pilot programme designed to address concerns over visa overstays by foreign nationals. Under this initiative, Ugandan nationals found otherwise eligible for a B1/B2 visa will be informed during their visa interview if they are required to post a bond. The amount—\$5,000, \$10,000, or \$15,000—will be determined at the discretion of the US consular officer, translating to approximately Shs18 million, Shs36 million, or Shs54 million.
Applicants selected for the bond will receive a direct payment link to the US Treasury’s Pay.gov system, where the bond must be paid before the visa application can proceed. Importantly, the US Department of State has cautioned that paying the bond does not guarantee visa issuance. Only those instructed by a consular officer should make the payment, as unauthorised payments will not be refunded.
The B1/B2 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows for short-term visits to the United States for business meetings, conferences, tourism, family visits, medical treatment, or participation in social events. However, it does not permit paid employment or long-term study, and each visit is typically limited to a maximum of six months, subject to approval by US border officials.
As a condition of the bond, successful applicants must enter and exit the United States through designated ports of entry, including major airports such as Boston Logan, John F. Kennedy, and Washington Dulles. The bond will be cancelled and refunded if the visa holder leaves the US on or before the authorised period of stay, does not travel on the visa, or is denied admission at the port of entry. However, if a traveller overstays, seeks to adjust their immigration status, or fails to depart within the permitted timeframe, the bond may be forfeited, with the Department of Homeland Security referring such cases for further review [[2]](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/countries-subject-to-visa-bonds.html).
Uganda is not alone in facing this new requirement. Tanzania has also been included in the policy, while other African countries such as Malawi and Zambia were added to the pilot programme earlier in 2025. The move is part of a broader US effort to tighten controls on visitor visa compliance, particularly in countries with higher rates of overstays.
For the East African tourism and business sectors, this development is likely to have far-reaching implications. Industry professionals warn that the increased cost and uncertainty associated with the visa bond could deter ordinary travellers and complicate travel planning for both leisure and corporate clients. The requirement may also impact the flow of visitors to the US, affecting not only tourism but also trade, education, and diaspora connections.
As the policy’s implementation date approaches, stakeholders across the region are closely monitoring for official responses from the Ugandan and Tanzanian governments. In the meantime, travel industry players are urging clients to stay informed and prepare for the additional financial and procedural steps now required for US-bound travel. This shift underscores the need for African travel professionals to adapt quickly to evolving international entry requirements and to explore alternative destinations and strategies to sustain business growth in a changing global landscape.
