Effective January 21, 2026, Uganda has been included in the United States’ Visa Bond Pilot Program, a policy that requires certain Ugandan travelers to post a financial bond before being issued a U.S. visitor visa.
Under the new arrangement, Ugandan nationals who are otherwise found eligible for a B1/B2 (business or tourist) visa will be required to post a visa bond ranging from USD 5,000 to USD 15,000, as determined by a U.S. consular officer at the time of the visa interview. The bond will be refunded if the traveler complies fully with the terms of the visa and departs the United States before their authorized stay expires.
The program applies regardless of where the visa application is submitted and affects any Ugandan citizen or national traveling on a Ugandan-issued passport.
Bond Process and Requirements
Applicants directed by a consular officer to post a bond must complete Department of Homeland Security Form I-352 (Immigration Bond) and agree to the bond terms through the U.S. Treasury’s official online payment system, Pay.gov. Applicants will receive a direct payment link and are cautioned not to use third-party websites.
U.S. authorities emphasize that payment of a bond does not guarantee visa issuance, and fees paid without official instruction from a consular officer are non-refundable. The U.S. Government also bears no responsibility for funds paid outside its official systems.
Designated Ports of Entry
As a condition of the visa bond, travelers must enter and exit the United States exclusively through designated ports of entry, failure of which may result in denied entry or improper departure records.
Currently designated ports include:
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Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) – August 20, 2025
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John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) – August 20, 2025
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Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) – August 20, 2025
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Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) – January 1, 2026
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Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) – January 1, 2026
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Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) – January 1, 2026
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Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – January 1, 2026
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Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) – January 1, 2026
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Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) – January 1, 2026
Additional ports will be added on a rolling basis.
Bond Compliance and Refunds
According to U.S. authorities, the bond will be automatically canceled and refunded if:
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The traveler departs the United States on or before the authorized stay expires;
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The traveler does not enter the United States before the visa expires; or
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The traveler applies for admission at a U.S. port of entry and is denied.
Visa Bond Breach
Cases involving potential violations of bond conditions will be reviewed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Situations considered a possible breach include:
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Departing the United States after the authorized stay expires;
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Remaining in the U.S. beyond the permitted period without departing; or
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Applying to adjust from non-immigrant status, including seeking asylum.
The Visa Bond Pilot Program is part of broader U.S. immigration compliance measures aimed at ensuring adherence to visa conditions.
