US Introduces Visa Bond Requirement for Bangladeshi Travelers from January 21

Dhaka, January 19, 2026 — The United States will introduce a new “visa bond” requirement for Bangladeshi citizens applying for business and tourist visas, effective from January 21, 2026, the US Embassy in Dhaka has announced.
Under the new policy, Bangladeshi applicants approved for B1/B2 (business and tourist) visas may be required to deposit a bond of up to $15,000. The bond will be refundable if visa holders comply fully with the terms and conditions of their visa, including timely departure from the United States.
In a message issued on Monday, the embassy clarified that the requirement will apply only to visas issued on or after January 21, 2026. Bangladeshi nationals holding valid B1/B2 visas issued before that date will not be subject to the bond.
The embassy also warned applicants not to pay any bond before their visa interview. It stressed that paying a bond in advance does not guarantee visa approval and cautioned against fraudulent third-party websites claiming to facilitate bond payments. Any money paid before the interview, the embassy said, will not be refundable.
The new measure is expected to have a significant impact on Bangladeshi travelers seeking short-term entry into the United States for business or tourism. However, US authorities have not yet provided further details on the criteria for determining the bond amount for individual applicants.