Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a stern warning to citizens against falsifying visa application information, especially in response to a new advisory from the United States government targeting the growing trend of “birth tourism.”
Uganda’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vincent Bagiire, has cautioned Ugandan citizens against falsifying details during visa applications, particularly amid rising global scrutiny over the practice of “birth tourism.” The warning follows a direct advisory issued by the United States Embassy in Kampala, which explicitly addresses attempts by Ugandan applicants to use tourist visas to travel for childbirth in the U.S. a tactic aimed at acquiring American citizenship for newborns.
“Falsification of information to obtain a U.S. or any other visa is wrong and leads to automatic denial of your application,” Bagiire said during a press briefing. He emphasized that using deception in visa processing not only risks rejection but also damages the reputation of Ugandan travelers and complicates future applications for those with legitimate purposes.
Addressing the controversial practice of birth tourism, Bagiire clarified, “Traveling to the U.S. for the sole purpose of giving birth on their soil is not permitted. When planning a visit, your motive must be clear. A tourist visa is just that not a gateway to citizenship.”
The U.S. Embassy echoed the warning, stating that applicants suspected of planning to give birth in the U.S. would be denied entry. The statement highlighted that many such individuals have, in the past, accessed public assistance for childbirth-related medical costs, which ultimately burden American taxpayers.
“These costs are passed on to the American taxpayer, and those parents may not be eligible to renew their visas in the future,” the U.S. Embassy warned.
Immigration experts say the U.S. government has increased scrutiny of applicants globally due to rising concerns about the abuse of birthright citizenship provisions. While U.S. law grants automatic citizenship to children born on its soil, the use of that law by non-residents has triggered a tightening of consular reviews.
In light of these developments, Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has committed to increasing public awareness campaigns about proper visa procedures and ethical travel conduct, working closely with foreign embassies and consulates based in Uganda.
“Visa fraud not only affects individuals but also undermines the credibility of our citizens and complicates future applications for legitimate travelers,” Bagiire concluded.
As international travel requirements become stricter, the government urges Ugandans to prioritize transparency and follow due processes when applying for foreign travel documents.
