By The United States has announced that it will permanently enforce its visa bond programme for visitors from 50 countries, the majority of them African countries, including Uganda. The move is expected to make travel to the U.S. more difficult for thousands seeking business, tourism and family visits.
Uganda is among the 50 African countries targeted by the permanent visa bond scheme, under which certain applicants for B1 (business) and B2 (tourist) visas may be required to pay a refundable bond of up to US$20,000 before their visas are issued. The amount has been increased from the previous maximum of US$15,000, while the lowest bond tier of US$5,000 has been removed. The bond is refunded if the traveller complies with the conditions of the visa and departs the United States within the authorised period.
The U.S. State Department said a year-long pilot programme demonstrated that visa bonds helped improve compliance with visa conditions and reduce the number of visitors overstaying their visas. Following the review, the department decided to make the programme permanent, with the possibility of adding more countries in the future.
The policy has, however, sparked concern among immigration advocates and travellers, particularly across Africa, who argue that the financial requirement places an additional burden on people already facing high visa application costs. Critics say the measure could discourage legitimate travel for education, business, tourism and family reunification.
According to the State Department, the bond does not guarantee that a visa will be issued. Instead, it serves as a financial assurance that visitors will comply with U.S. immigration laws. Applicants who are denied visas or who meet all visa requirements, including leaving the country on time, will have their bonds returned.
The visa bond programme forms part of broader efforts by the U.S. government to strengthen immigration enforcement and reduce visa overstays. While officials describe it as an effective compliance tool, critics warn that it could disproportionately affect travellers from lower-income countries, particularly those in Africa, where the required bond may be beyond the reach of many prospective visitors.
