Ugandans planning to travel to the United States may soon face a hefty new requirement. Starting January 21, 2026, B1/B2 visa applicants from Uganda will be required to pay a refundable bond ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, as part of a US Department of State pilot program aimed at curbing visa overstays.
The bond amount will be set by the consular officer and acts as a guarantee that travelers will comply with US visa rules.
Applicants can pay the bond through Pay.gov, and it is automatically refunded if the traveler departs on time or chooses not to travel before the visa expires. However, any overstay or status violation will result in forfeiture of the bond.
This policy is authorized under INA Section 221(g)(3) and targets 36 countries with high rates of visa overstays, including Uganda, Nigeria, and Tanzania.
Officials say the bond scheme is designed to encourage compliance while maintaining the ability to travel legally to the US, but the high fees have already raised concerns among prospective travelers and travel agencies.
