The United States has introduced a significant new financial requirement for Ugandan citizens seeking to travel for business or tourism, adding a fresh layer to the already rigorous visa process.

In a statement issued today 23rd January 2026, the U.S. Embassy in Kampala announced that Uganda has been incorporated into a visa bond pilot program, effective 21st January 2026.

Under the new arrangement, certain Ugandan applicants approved for B1/B2 (business and tourist) visas will be required to post a refundable security bond before their visas can be issued.

The measure places Uganda among a select group of countries whose nationals must meet additional conditions beyond the standard visa interview and application fees.

According to the embassy, even applicants who fully satisfy all eligibility requirements will now face this added step.

“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 embassy stated.

The bond amount, which will be determined by a consular officer on a case-by-case basis, ranges from $5,000 to $15,000.

U.S. authorities describe the bond as a compliance mechanism rather than a fee. The embassy clarified that the money is fully refundable, provided the traveler adheres strictly to the terms of the visa.

“The bond will be returned to the traveler if he or she complies with all conditions of the visa and departs the United States before the period of admission expires,” the statement added.

However, the program also introduces new logistical constraints. Travelers subject to the bond must enter and exit the United States through designated ports of entry only.

The list features major airports including Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York, and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), along with additional entry and exit points in Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and selected Canadian airports such as Toronto and Montréal for eligible travelers on specified dates.

Uganda’s inclusion in the pilot aligns with a broader U.S. policy targeting countries with historically higher B1/B2 visa overstay rates, according to the U.S. Department of State.

Other nations listed under the program include Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, as well as Bangladesh, Nepal, and Venezuela, among others.

For Ugandans planning to travel, the new requirement introduces a significant financial burden and added risk.

Having to raise and temporarily commit such a large sum is likely to influence travel decisions, while also demanding strict compliance with travel dates, visa conditions, and the designated entry and exit points to guarantee a full refund of the bond.

Overall, the introduction of the visa bond marks a notable shift in U.S. travel requirements for Ugandans, one that blends immigration enforcement with financial barrier.

While the bond is refundable, its size and the strict conditions attached to it are likely to reshape how Ugandans approach short-term travel to the United States, potentially limiting access for business people, tourists, and families alike.

As the pilot program unfolds, its impact on mobility, bilateral travel, and people-to-people exchanges will be closely watched.