The Embassy of the United States in Uganda has announced that, effective January 21, 2026, Uganda will join the visa bond pilot program.
In a statement on January 23, the U.S. Embassy stated that the applicants eligible for a business or tourist (B1/B2) visa will be required to post a bond before the visa is issued.
The bond will be refunded if travelers comply with all visa conditions and depart the United States before their authorized period of stay expires.
“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,” read part of the statement.
What U.S. Visa Bonds Mean for Uganda
A visa bond is a refundable security deposit required by certain countries, including the U.S., from some temporary visa applicants (such as B-1/B-2 tourists).
It serves to ensure compliance with visa conditions, particularly that travelers depart the country on or before their authorized date, helping reduce visa overstays.
Applicants from eligible countries seeking a B1/B2 visa must post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, with the amount set during the visa interview.
Applicants must also submit Department of Homeland Security Form I-352 and agree to bond terms through the Department of the Treasury’s online payment platform, Pay.gov.
This requirement applies regardless of where the visa application is submitted.
Applicants should only submit Form I-352 after being directed by a consular officer and must use the official Pay.gov portal.
Fees paid outside this system will not be refunded, and paying the bond does not guarantee visa issuance.
Also Read: Trump Spares Kenya, Suspends Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries
Compliance
The bond is canceled, and the funds are returned automatically in the following cases:
- The visa holder departs the United States on or before the authorized stay period, as recorded by DHS.
- The visa holder does not travel to the U.S. before the visa expires.
- The visa holder is denied entry at a U.S. port of entry.
Also Read: US Embassy Suspends Visa Issuance to Tanzanian Nationals
Visa Bond Breach
If DHS determines that a visa holder may have violated bond terms, the case is referred to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to confirm a breach.
Situations considered a breach include:
- Departing the U.S. after the authorized stay period.
- Remaining in the U.S. beyond the authorized period without leaving.
- Applying to adjust status from non-immigrant, including seeking asylum.
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