Bangladeshis to Pay Up to $15,000 Bond for US Business and Tourist Visas: US Embassy

Dhaka: The United States Embassy in Bangladesh has announced a significant change to its Visa Policy, stating that Bangladeshi nationals approved for new B1/B2 visas—commonly issued for business and tourism—will be required to pay a refundable bond of up to USD 15,000 starting January 21, 2026.

According to an official statement released by the US Embassy in Dhaka on Monday, the bond requirement will apply to applicants who are granted B1/B2 visas on or after the specified date. Individuals who already hold a valid B1/B2 visa issued before January 21, 2026, will not be affected by the new rule.

The embassy clarified that the bond is part of a broader initiative aimed at ensuring compliance with US Immigration rules during temporary visits. Authorities emphasized that the bond requirement will only come into effect after a visa is approved, and not during the application or interview stages.

In a strong advisory, the US Embassy warned visa applicants against making any payments before their visa interviews. It categorically stated that paying a bond in advance does not increase the chances of visa approval and cautioned applicants to remain vigilant against fraudulent third-party websites claiming to facilitate early payments.

“Avoid paying your bail ahead of time. Early payment does not ensure a visa, and third-party websites may be fraudulent. Any payment made before your interview is NOT refundable,” the embassy said in an official post on X (formerly Twitter).

The advisory further explained that the bond amount will be determined only after the visa is granted. If a visa holder fully complies with the terms and conditions of their stay in the United States—such as departing the country within the permitted duration—the bond amount will be fully reimbursed.

Visa applicants have been urged to strictly follow official instructions issued by the embassy and to complete the interview process before making any financial commitments related to the bond.

The policy is being implemented under a trial programme introduced by the US Department of State. Under this initiative, citizens of 38 countries, including Bangladesh, may be required to post a visa bond when applying for B1/B2 visas. The list includes countries from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Pacific, such as Nigeria, Nepal, Bhutan, Cuba, Senegal, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe.

As per the programme guidelines, applicants who are otherwise eligible for a B1/B2 visa but hold passports issued by the listed countries may be asked to post a bond of USD 5,000, USD 10,000, or USD 15,000. The exact amount will be decided by consular officers during the visa interview process, based on individual circumstances.