Ugandan nationals applying for business and tourist visas (B1/B2) to the United States will now be required to pay a visa bond of at least Ksh640,000 ($5,000), following Uganda’s inclusion in the US visa bond pilot program.
Embassy Statement
In a statement posted on Friday, January 23, 2026, the Ugandan US Embassy announced that the program took effect on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
“Effective January 21, 2026, Uganda joined the visa bond pilot program. Visa applicants who are otherwise found eligible for a business/tourist (B1/B2) visa for travel to the United States will be required to post a bond before the visa can be issued. The bond will be returned to the traveller if he or she complies with all conditions of the visa and departs the United States before the period of admission expires,” the Embassy wrote.
Bond Requirements
According to the US Embassy website, applicants must pay a bond ranging between $5,000 and $15,000 (Ksh640,000 – Ksh1.9 million). The exact amount will be determined during the visa interview.
Applicants must also:
- Submit a Department of Homeland Security Form I-352
- Agree to the bond terms via the US Department of the Treasury’s Pay.gov platform
Importantly, the bond requirement applies regardless of the place of application.
No Guarantee of Visa Issuance
The Embassy clarified that paying the bond does not guarantee visa issuance.
“A bond does not guarantee visa issuance. If someone pays fees without a consular officer’s direction, the fees will not be returned,” the website states.
Purpose of the Program
The visa bond pilot program was introduced by the US government to encourage compliance with visa conditions and reduce overstays. By requiring a refundable bond, authorities aim to ensure that travellers depart the United States before their visa period expires.
Impact on Ugandan Travellers
The new requirement is expected to significantly affect Ugandan applicants, particularly business travellers and tourists, due to the high upfront costs. While the bond is refundable upon compliance, the financial burden may deter some applicants from pursuing travel to the United States.
Conclusion
Uganda’s inclusion in the US visa bond pilot program marks a major shift in visa application requirements for its citizens. With bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, applicants will need to prepare for higher financial commitments when seeking entry to the United States.
