The United States has introduced stricter visa requirements for Ugandan nationals, including a refundable visa bond of up to $15,000 for certain travellers and a temporary pause on the issuance of immigrant visas, US officials have said.
Speaking in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, the US Ambassador to Uganda, William W. Popp, said the measures were part of Washington’s efforts to enforce its immigration laws and strengthen national security.
Under the new rules, Ugandans applying for B-1 and B-2 visas for tourism or business purposes may be required to pay a refundable bond before a visa is granted. US authorities said the bond would be returned to travellers who comply fully with visa conditions, including leaving the United States before their authorised stay expires.
Officials said the move forms part of a wider US visa bond programme targeting several countries. Nationals of Nigeria, Senegal, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania and Cameroon are also affected by the policy.
The United States says the programme is designed to encourage compliance with visa regulations and reduce the number of travellers who overstay their permitted period of stay.
