In a significant escalation of international travel policy, Ugandan citizens will now be required to post refundable bonds of up to KSh19 million (approximately US $15,000) when applying for United States B1/B2 visitor visas, according to new directives published by the U.S. Department of State that take effect from January 21, 2026. The move, framed as part of a pilot program to curb visa overstays and tighten immigration standards, has sparked alarm in Kampala and raised fresh diplomatic tensions between Uganda and Washington.
Under the updated visa bond requirement, Ugandan nationals applying for short-term business or tourist visas may be directed during their consular interview to post a bond of US $5,000, US $10,000, or US $15,000 before their visa application can proceed. The exact bond amount will be determined at the discretion of the U.S. consular officer and must be paid through the U.S. Treasury’s official online platform, with payment outside authorized channels not refundable.
Critically, the bond is intended to serve as a financial guarantee that the visa holder will depart the United States within the authorized period. It will only be refunded if the traveler exits the U.S. on time, never uses the visa, or is denied entry at a designated port of entry. However, paying the bond does not guarantee visa issuance, further intensifying uncertainty for applicants.
The new visa conditions come amid broader strains in Uganda-U.S. relations following the January 2026 general election, widely criticized by opposition groups and some Western governments, which has led to increased diplomatic friction and security alerts from the U.S. Embassy in Kampala.
Travel industry stakeholders in Kampala warn that the sharply higher cost of travel to the United States could dampen tourism, business trips, and family visits, particularly for ordinary citizens and small-business travelers who may find it prohibitively expensive. Analysts also say the policy could have a chilling effect on regional mobility and raise questions about bilateral engagement on migration, security, and consular cooperation.
Uganda’s foreign ministry has yet to issue a comprehensive response to the visa bond requirement, and it remains unclear whether Kampala will pursue reciprocal measures or formal diplomatic channels to address the rising travel costs and underlying geopolitical frictions.
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