By Swift Reporter
The United States Embassy in Uganda has announced new visa policy changes that will affect Ugandan travelers, including shorter visa validity periods and the introduction of a refundable visa bond for some applicants.
Speaking during a press conference on February 5, 2026, U.S. Ambassador to Uganda William W. Popp said most nonimmigrant visas issued to Ugandans especially B1/B2 visas for business and tourism are now single-entry visas valid for three months. The policy change was first announced in July 2025.
“The United States and Uganda share a strong partnership grounded in mutual respect and people-to-people ties,” Ambassador Popp said. “While we value legitimate travel for tourism, business, study, and family visits, the United States is committed to protecting our nation and its citizens by fully enforcing U.S. immigration laws.”
Ambassador Popp emphasized that nonimmigrant visas come with strict conditions and that violations can have long-term consequences.
“A nonimmigrant visa is a privilege granted for a specific purpose, not a right,” he said. “Remaining longer than authorized or misusing a nonimmigrant visa can have serious and lasting consequences.”
As part of the updated measures, the U.S. government has expanded the Visa Bond Pilot Program to include Uganda, effective January 21, 2026. Under the program, Ugandans who qualify for B1/B2 visas may be required to post a refundable bond of up to 15,000 U.S. dollars before a visa is issued.
“The visa bond requirement is not retroactive and is fully refunded to travelers who comply with the terms and conditions of their visa and admission to the United States,” Ambassador Popp explained.
The Embassy also confirmed that the U.S. Department of State has temporarily paused the issuance of immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries, including Uganda, to allow for enhanced vetting. Officials clarified that the pause applies only to immigrant visas and does not affect nonimmigrant visas such as student, tourist, or skilled worker visas.
U.S. Consular Chief Tania Romanoff warned Ugandans against visa misuse, overstays, and providing false information during the visa application process.
“We are still seeing Ugandans misusing their nonimmigrant visas,” Romanoff said. “If an individual uses a U.S. nonimmigrant visa to travel to the United States and misuses it, they may be subject to removal and be ineligible for future visas and travel to the United States.”
She added that travelers who overstay their authorized period of admission risk deportation and permanent travel bans.
“If you remain longer than authorized, you could be removed from the United States and face a permanent ban on traveling to the U.S. in the future,” Romanoff said.
Romanoff also cautioned applicants against submitting false information.
“Individuals who intentionally provide inaccurate information on visa applications or during interviews will not get a visa and may be permanently ineligible to enter the United States,” she said, quoting U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio: “Violators of U.S. law—including international students—face visa denial or revocation, and deportation.”
The Embassy reminded travelers that the length of stay in the United States is determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the port of entry, not by the visa validity period itself. Travelers are encouraged to confirm their authorized stay through the Department of Homeland Security’s I-94 website.
Despite the changes, U.S. officials reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining legitimate travel and strengthening bilateral relations between Uganda and the United States through lawful migration.
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