The United States has added Bangladesh to a list of countries whose citizens may be required to post a visa bond of up to $15,000 when applying for short-term entry, according to Reuters, citing the U.S. Department of State. Under this new rule, Bangladeshi passport holders eligible for B1/B2 visas—for business or tourism—may be asked to pay a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, with the exact amount determined during the visa interview. Payments must be made through Pay.gov, the official online platform of the U.S. Treasury. The policy will take effect on January 21.
The State Department says the bond requirement is intended to discourage visa overstays by creating a financial incentive for visitors to leave the U.S. on time. The programme targets countries with historically high overstay rates, which currently include about 38 nations across Africa, Latin America, and South Asia, such as Nepal, Nigeria, Angola, and now Bangladesh.
Applicants should note several important rules: the bond is fully refundable if the traveller departs the U.S. within the authorised period or if the visa is denied. Travel is generally limited to a single entry with a maximum stay of 30 days, and some travellers may be required to enter through specific airports, including JFK, Washington Dulles, or Boston Logan. As the bond applies to each individual, it could pose a significant financial burden for families or low-income applicants.
