changes to US visa validity for Ugandans

 


changes to US visa validity for Ugandans, effective July 2025:

US Slashes Visa Validity for Ugandans to Three Months in Reciprocal Policy Shift

Kampala, Uganda – July 15, 2025 – Ugandans seeking non-immigrant visas for travel to the United States will now face significantly reduced validity periods, with most visas limited to a single entry and a maximum stay of three months. This drastic change, which took effect on July 8, 2025, represents a major reduction from the previous two-year multiple-entry visas and is a direct result of a reciprocal policy enacted by the U.S. government.

US Ambassador to Uganda, William Popp, confirmed the new development, explaining that it aligns with Executive Order 14161, signed by President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025. This order aims to "protect the national interests and security of the United States" and has prompted a wider review of visa policies for various countries.

Reciprocity at Play

Ambassador Popp emphasized that the new policy is reciprocal. "New non-immigrant visas for Ugandan citizens will mirror the validity that Ugandan visas grant to American travelers—one entry, three months," he stated during a press briefing in Kampala. This means the U.S. is now offering Ugandans the same visa terms that Uganda extends to American citizens.

While the visa's validity is set at three months, immigration officers at the U.S. border will still have the discretion to determine the actual permitted duration of stay for the visa holder, which could even be shorter. Student visa terms, however, will continue to be issued on a case-by-case basis.

Impact and Concerns

The change has sparked significant discussion and concern among Ugandans, particularly those who frequently travel to the U.S. for business, tourism, or family visits. The requirement to reapply after just three months is seen as a tedious and costly process, as visa fees, which are globally set to recover processing costs, remain unchanged.

Many Ugandans who previously enjoyed the flexibility of two-year multiple-entry visas will now face increased administrative burdens and expenses. Business travelers and tourists, in particular, may find their travel plans significantly impacted.

Background and Broader Context

This move comes amidst a broader trend by the U.S. government to review and adjust its visa policies, often citing concerns over visa overstay rates, document security, and national security threats. While U.S. officials stress that the new rule is neither punitive nor unique to Uganda, it is part of a larger assessment of global visa reciprocity and immigration compliance.

The U.S. Embassy in Uganda advises all applicants to adhere strictly to the terms of their visas and to ensure that all travel documents are authentic and up-to-date. Existing visas in holders' passports will remain valid until their printed expiry dates.

For future travel to the United States, Ugandans should be prepared for the new, shorter visa validity periods and the necessity of more frequent applications. The U.S. Embassy and consular services continue to process applications, but applicants are encouraged to stay informed about the latest requirements and potential changes.