KAMPALA — Ugandan citizens planning travel to the United States will face significant new financial requirements starting this month as Washington implements a pilot program aimed at reducing visa overstay rates.
Beginning Jan. 21, Ugandan nationals found eligible for B1 and B2 visitor visas will be required to post a refundable security bond of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000. The specific amount will be determined by consular officers at the U.S. Embassy on a case-by-case basis during the visa interview process.
The U.S. Department of State move places Uganda among several nations, including regional neighbors Tanzania and Burundi, subject to the new Visa Bond pilot program. The initiative is based on data from the Department of Homeland Security’s entry and exit overstay reports.
Under the new guidelines, applicants must not post a bond until they are officially directed to do so by a consular officer. Payments must be processed through the U.S. Treasury’s online platform, Pay.gov, and travelers are warned against using third-party websites to avoid financial loss.
Compliance with the bond terms also requires travelers to enter and exit the United States through specifically designated ports of entry, including airports in New York, Washington and Boston. Failure to adhere to these travel routes or staying beyond the authorized period will result in the forfeiture of the bond.
This guide explains how the visa bond process works and the specific steps Ugandan travelers must follow to comply with the new rules starting Jan. 21.
How the visa bond works
The visa bond is a refundable financial guarantee required for certain B1/B2 (visitor) visa applicants. It is designed to ensure that travelers return to Uganda before their authorized stay expires. The bond is a pilot program targeting countries with higher visa overstay rates.
The bond amount is set at one of three levels: $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. A consular officer at the U.S. Embassy in Kampala will determine which amount applies to you during your interview based on your individual circumstances.
Step-by-step payment guide
You must not attempt to pay the bond before your interview. Follow these specific steps:
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Attend your interview: Complete your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy. The officer will tell you if you are eligible for a visa and if a bond is required.
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Receive official direction: If a bond is required, the consular officer will provide you with a direct link and instructions for payment.
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Complete Form I-352: You must submit the Department of Homeland Security Form I-352, which outlines the legal terms of the immigration bond.
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Pay via Pay.gov: All payments must be made through the official U.S. Treasury website, Pay.gov. Do not use any third-party websites or services, as the U.S. government will not recognize those payments and you will lose your money.
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Wait for visa issuance: Once the bond is successfully posted and verified, the embassy will proceed with issuing your visa.
Strict travel requirements
If you are issued a visa under the bond program, you must follow these rules to ensure your bond is eventually refunded:
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Designated airports: You are required to enter and exit the United States only through three specific airports:
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John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York
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Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Virginia
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Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) in Massachusetts
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Single entry and stay limit: Visas issued under this program are typically for a single entry and are valid for three months from the date of issuance. Once in the U.S., you may be limited to a maximum stay of 30 days.
How to get your refund
The bond is canceled and the money is automatically returned to the payer in the following cases:
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The U.S. government records your departure from the country on or before your authorized date.
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You do not travel to the U.S. before the visa expires.
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You travel to the U.S. but are denied entry by customs officers at the airport.
Important: You will lose the entire bond amount if you stay past your authorized date or if you attempt to change your status while in the U.S., such as by applying for asylum.
