The United States has shortened the validity of non-immigrant visas for Ugandan citizens to just three months, allowing only a single entry into the country. This marks a significant shift from the previous policy, which granted Ugandan visa holders up to two years of validity.
According to William Popp, the U.S. ambassador to Uganda, the change follows an Executive Order signed by President Donald Trump in January 2025. The order is focused on enhancing national security and public safety by tightening visa and immigration rules.
Ambassador Popp explained that the decision was not made solely in regard to Uganda, but as part of a broader policy shift aimed at ensuring that U.S. visa practices align with the current administration’s priorities on security. “The reduction is in line with the Executive Order to protect the United States from foreign security threats,” he said.
The new rule applies specifically to non-immigrant visas, which are typically issued for short-term travel such as tourism, business, medical treatment, or attending conferences. Under the updated policy, Ugandans who wish to visit the U.S. will now need to reapply for a visa after three months, even if they had previously been eligible for a much longer duration.
This change is likely to have a significant impact on frequent travelers, students, businesspeople, and families who rely on multiple visits over an extended period. Many Ugandans who previously enjoyed longer-term access to the U.S. will now face additional costs, paperwork, and waiting times.
The announcement has already sparked concern among Ugandans, especially those with plans to travel for education or work-related purposes. It remains unclear whether any exemptions will be made for specific categories such as students or diplomatic visits.
So far, the U.S. government has not announced any similar restrictions for other countries in the region, but officials indicated that visa policies remain under constant review. As this policy takes effect, affected Ugandans are being urged to plan accordingly and consult the U.S. embassy for updated visa application procedures.
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