Starting Jan 21, Bangladeshi travellers to the US must pay up to $15,000 bond for B1/B2 visas. What does this mean for tourists and business visitors? Why is the US imposing this new rule? Find out the key details and implications.
Bangladeshi travellers to US required to pay $15,000 bond from Jan 21
Dhaka: The US Embassy in Dhaka has announced that all Bangladeshi nationals applying for B1 and B2 visas will now be required to pay a bond of up to $15,000, starting January 21. The move is part of a broader US policy to ensure compliance with visa regulations and prevent overstays.
B1 and B2 visas are non-immigrant permits for temporary visits to the United States, including tourism, business trips, or short stays. The embassy clarified that this requirement does not apply to individuals holding a valid B1/B2 visa issued before January 21, 2026.
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According to the US State Department, the new bond requirement affects travellers from 38 countries, including several nations in Africa, Latin America, and now Bangladesh. Applicants must pay the bond only at the time of their visa interview, and advance payments are strictly discouraged.
The embassy warned applicants: “Do NOT pay your bond in advance. Paying early does not guarantee a visa, and third-party websites may be scams. Any payment made before your interview is non-refundable. The bond will be returned if visa terms are respected.”
The bond system was expanded under the Trump administration as part of stricter immigration measures. It is designed to encourage visitors to comply with US visa conditions and discourage overstaying.
In addition to the bond requirement, the US has introduced mandatory in-person visa interviews, social media screenings, and detailed scrutiny of applicants’ travel histories and residential arrangements. While authorities maintain that the bond functions as a compliance guarantee rather than a visa fee, critics argue it may limit access for those unable to meet the financial threshold.
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The new policy is expected to significantly affect business travellers, tourists, and short-term visitors from Bangladesh. With a bond as high as $15,000, many may need to rethink travel plans or arrange financial backing to meet the requirement.
US officials say the policy strengthens border security and ensures adherence to visa rules, but it has also sparked concerns about accessibility and fairness for citizens from countries with emerging economies.
