US Embassy warns Ugandans against misusing tourist visas for births
While the immigration rules apply to all US visa holders worldwide, the Embassy in Kampala highlighted the growing trend among Ugandans using tourist visas for 'birth tourism'.
The United States Mission in Uganda has issued a stern warning to Ugandan nationals holding or applying for tourist visas, cautioning that travelling to the United States primarily to give birth and secure citizenship for the child is prohibited and may lead to visa denial and permanent travel bans.
While the immigration rules apply to all US visa holders worldwide, the Embassy in Kampala highlighted the growing trend among Ugandans using tourist visas for 'birth tourism'.
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In a statement on X on Monday, the Mission stated that consular officers will deny applicants visas if they believe the primary purpose of travel is to give birth in the U.S. to obtain citizenship for the newborn.
"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 to give birth, and they use government assistance to pay for their medical care," the statement reads.
"These costs are passed on to the American taxpayer, and those parents may not be eligible to renew their visas in the future. We will deny your visa if we believe your primary purpose of travel is to give birth in the United States to get U.S. citizenship for your child. This is not permitted."
In addition to concerns about "birth tourism", the Mission also reminded current visa holders of the consequences of overstaying in the United States.
"Attention US visa holders: If you overstay your U.S. visa, you could face a permanent ban on travelling to the United States. Consular officers have full access to your immigration history and will know about past violations," the Mission said. "There is no such thing as an 'honest mistake' – it is your responsibility to use your visa correctly."
The development comes amid recent reports that Uganda is among 36 countries that could soon face new US travel restrictions.
Reports indicate that the draft list includes 26 African countries as well as nations from the Caribbean, Central Asia and the Pacific Islands.
African countries include Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
According to the Donald Trump administration, the countries are failing to meet certain key standards, including having reliable government systems and proper civil documentation.
Some of the nations were flagged for lacking a cooperative central authority or for allowing widespread fraud. Others had high numbers of citizens who overstayed their US visas.
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