US. Warns Ugandans Over Visa Misuse as New USD 15,000 Bond Policy Takes Effect
Ugandan applicants will now be required to pay refundable visa bond of up to USD 15,000 to deter abuse, with strict penalties including removal and possible permanent travel bans for violators.
The United States government has warned Ugandans against misusing non-immigrant visas following a rise in cases of visa overstays
The warning comes amid growing concern over Ugandans overstaying in the United States on tourist and medical visas, prompting Washington to introduce a new policy requiring visa bonds for applicants from selected countries.
Under the new measure, Ugandans along with nationals from 38 other countries, mostly in Africa will be required to post a refundable visa bond of up to USD 15,000 (about Shs 53.4 million) before a non-immigrant visa is issued. The bond is aimed at deterring visa overstays and other forms of misuse.
According to the policy, applicants who otherwise qualify for non-immigrant visas will be required to pay the bond as a guarantee that they will comply with U.S. immigration laws and depart the country within the authorized period.
“We are still seeing Ugandans misusing their non-immigrant visas to the United States,” U.S. Ambassador to Uganda William W. Popp said. “If an individual uses a U.S. non-immigrant visa and misuses it, they may be subject to removal and become ineligible for visas and future travel to the United States.”
Ambassador Popp explained that upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer determines the length of stay based on the type of visa issued.
“If you remain longer than authorized, you could be removed from the United States and may face a permanent ban on future travel,” he warned.
He clarified that the visa bond requirement is not retroactive and will be fully refunded to travelers who comply with the terms of their visa, conditions of entry, and bond requirements.
The U.S. envoy also cautioned applicants against providing false or misleading information during visa applications or interviews, noting that such actions could lead to visa denial, permanent travel bans, and possible criminal prosecution under both Ugandan and U.S. law.
Under the new policy, U.S. business and tourist non-immigrant visas issued to affected applicants will be single-entry visas valid for three months. This means travelers must enter the United States within three months of visa issuance and are allowed only one entry during that period.
U.S. authorities say the measures are intended to strengthen compliance with immigration laws while preserving legitimate travel for business, tourism, and medical purposes.
