Travel
U.S. Slashes Visa Validity for Ugandans to Three Months in New Security Policy Shift
Ugandan citizens seeking to travel to the United States will now receive nonimmigrant visas valid for only three months, following a sweeping policy change announced by the U.S. Department of State. The decision, officials say, is part of a broader initiative to strengthen national security and combat visa fraud.
Speaking to journalists at the American Centre in Kampala, U.S. Ambassador to Uganda William Popp confirmed that the new directive took immediate effect and applies to all future visa applications by Ugandan nationals.
“The overarching effort to achieve this goal has been laid out in President Trump’s Executive Order 14161, titled ‘Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats,’ issued on January 20, 2025,” Ambassador Popp stated.
The Ambassador explained that the order mandates a comprehensive evaluation of all visa programs to ensure they are not being exploited by hostile actors to undermine U.S. security and interests. This includes reviewing countries’ cooperation on identity verification, information-sharing, and the rate of overstays by visa holders.
Uganda was among several nations affected by the updated policy. Under the new rules, nonimmigrant visas will be valid for a single entry and limited to three months, matching the validity Ugandan authorities currently offer American travellers. “This change reflects a reciprocal approach to visa validity,” Ambassador Popp added. “It also enhances our ability to detect and prevent misuse of the U.S. immigration system.”
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s 2023 Entry/Exit Overstay Report, Ugandan travellers on B1/B2 (business/tourist) visas had an overstay rate of 8.42%, while students and exchange visitors under F, M, and J categories had an even higher rate of 16.71%.
U.S. Embassy Consular Section Chief Tania J. Romanoff said these figures were part of the justification for the change. “National security is always our top priority. Applicants who provide false information or misuse their visa will be denied and may face permanent ineligibility,” Romanoff warned.
She clarified that despite the shortened visa duration, fees would remain unchanged. “Visa fees are set globally based on operational costs like interviews, application processing, and printing,” she said.
Romanoff also raised red flags about birth tourism, where individuals travel to the U.S. specifically to give birth and obtain citizenship for their child.
“We have observed that some Ugandan parents misuse the visa system to give birth in the U.S., later relying on U.S. taxpayer-funded services to cover the costs,” she said, adding that consular officers will deny visas if they suspect that is the primary purpose of travel.
While she acknowledged the absence of specific statistics on birth tourism by Ugandans, Romanoff emphasised that each case is evaluated individually and often results in visa refusal.
Brian Jolda, Supervisory Special Agent with the Diplomatic Security Service and head of the U.S. Embassy’s Overseas Criminal Investigations Unit, revealed that in just two weeks, five visa applicants were arrested for submitting forged documents.
“We’ve seen forged O-level and A-level certificates, university transcripts, and fake bank statements. Fraud in the visa process is a criminal offence, and perpetrators will be held accountable,” Jolda said firmly.
He added that the U.S. Embassy works closely with local authorities to investigate and prosecute individuals who attempt to game the system.
What This Means for Travellers
Before this policy change, Ugandan citizens could receive nonimmigrant visas valid for up to two years with multiple entries. Now, applicants must adjust to a much shorter stay, tighter scrutiny, and a heightened focus on national security protocols.
Ambassador Popp concluded that while the U.S. remains committed to fostering strong ties with Uganda, protecting its borders and citizens remains a top priority.
“These changes are about safeguarding the American people and ensuring the integrity of our immigration system,” he said. The Embassy has advised all prospective travellers to apply well in advance, provide truthful information, and avoid intermediaries who promise shortcuts.
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