Govt warns Ugandans against US visa fraud, overstays

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Uganda's internal affairs ministry has urged Ugandans intending to travel to US to strictly adhere to America's visa requirements and avoid using fake documents, or risk arrest and deportation.

Speaking to journalists at the Police headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, ministry spokesperson Simon Mundeyi said Ugandans must refrain from forging bank statements, national IDs, or any supporting documents during the visa application process.

“There are systems in place to detect fake documents—both at the US Embassy and within the Government. Anyone caught will be prosecuted,” Mundeyi said.

The caution from the Uganda government authorities follows earlier ones by the US embassy in Uganda over the same.

In a social media post, the US Mission said: Last week, the US Embassy assisted Ugandan law enforcement to arrest three student visa applicants who had forged birth certificates, university diplomas, exam results, and university transcripts. Protect your future travel opportunities—Don’t Commit Fraud.

He also cautioned against visa overstays, saying many Ugandans travel on student or tourist visas but stay beyond the allowed time or engage in unauthorised work.

“If your visa is for three months, please return in time. Overstaying is criminal and could see you arrested or blacklisted,” he warned.

The US Mission also on July 1 warned, if you overstay your US visa, you could face a permanent ban on traveling to the United States. Consular officers have full access to your immigration history and will know about past violations. There is no such thing as an “honest mistake” – it is your responsibility to use your visa correctly.

Ugandans were urged to use authentic documents, follow electronic verification processes, and only apply for visas that match their intended purposes, such as tourism, employment, or study.

Mundeyi also emphasised the government’s commitment to preserving good diplomatic ties with the US and urged applicants to consult official government platforms for guidance.

Birth tourism

The United States also, at the beginning of July, issued a warning that it would no longer grant visas to Ugandan nationals intending to travel primarily to give birth in the country.

In a message posted on its social media platforms on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, the US Mission in Uganda stated that using a visa to travel for the sole purpose of giving birth so that the child obtains American citizenship is not permitted.

“Attention US visa holders: Using your visa to travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States so that your child will have US citizenship is not permitted. Consular officers will deny your visa application if they have reason to believe this is your intent. Many Ugandan parents with tourist visas travel to the United States for the purpose of giving birth, and they use government assistance to pay for their medical care. These costs are passed on to the American taxpayer, and those parents may not be eligible to renew their visas in the future,” the statement said.

The warning follows a rise in birth tourism, a practice common among some high-profile Ugandan individuals and celebrities, who opt to give birth in the US to secure citizenship for their children.

The US recognises birthright citizenship, meaning that any child born on American soil automatically becomes a US citizen.