WASHINGTON — Ugandans seeking to visit the United States for business or tourism will soon be required to pay thousands of dollars in security bonds before their travel documents are approved.
The U.S. Department of State announced that starting Jan. 21, Ugandan nationals found eligible for B1 or B2 visas must post a bond of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000. The specific amount will be determined by a consular officer during the visa interview.
Uganda is among several African nations, including Tanzania, Burundi and Nigeria, affected by the new pilot program. The initiative targets countries with higher rates of visa overstays as identified in reports from the Department of Homeland Security.
Applicants are instructed not to pay any bond fees until specifically directed by a consular officer. Payments must be made exclusively through the U.S. Treasury website, Pay.gov, after filing a Department of Homeland Security Form I-352. U.S. officials warned travelers against using third-party websites, noting the government is not responsible for money paid outside its official systems.
Under the terms of the pilot program, travelers who have posted a bond are restricted to specific entry and exit points in the U.S. to ensure their movements are properly recorded. These include Boston Logan International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York and Washington Dulles International Airport.
Failure to use these designated ports could result in denied entry or an improperly recorded departure, which may lead to the forfeiture of the bond.
The bond is designed to be returned automatically if the traveler departs the U.S. on or before their authorized date. Money will also be refunded if the visa holder does not travel before the visa expires or if they are denied admission at a U.S. port of entry.
However, the bond will be breached and the funds lost if the visitor stays beyond their authorized period or attempts to change their immigration status while in the country, including claims for asylum.
Officials emphasized that paying a bond does not guarantee a visa will be issued. Any fees paid without a direct order from a consular officer will not be refunded.
