Washington D.C. – The US Embassy in Dhaka has announced a significant US visa bond requirement that will fundamentally change the visa application process for Bangladeshi citizens. Effective January 21, 2026, all applicants approved for B1 and B2 visas must pay a bond of up to $15,000 as part of their visa requirements. This US visa bond requirement represents a substantial financial barrier for travelers seeking temporary entry to the United States for business, tourism, or short visits.
The new US visa bond requirement comes as part of an expanded Trump administration policy targeting visitors from 38 countries, primarily African and Latin American nations alongside Bangladesh. According to a State Department order issued on January 8, 2026, these countries will now face this additional financial obligation when applying for US visas.
Understanding the B1 and B2 Visa Categories
The US visa bond requirement specifically affects B1 and B2 non-immigrant visas, which serve distinct purposes for temporary visitors. B1 visas are designed for business travelers, while B2 visas cater to tourists and those making short visits to the United States. These visa categories have traditionally been among the most commonly sought by international travelers, making the US visa bond requirement a significant policy shift affecting millions of potential applicants.
The US Embassy in Dhaka clarified through social media that this US visa bond requirement applies only to newly approved visas. Individuals holding valid B1/B2 visas issued before January 21, 2026, will not be subject to this bond payment, providing some relief to current visa holders.
Critical Warnings About Advance Payment
The US Embassy has issued important cautions regarding the US visa bond requirement payment process. Officials strongly advise applicants against paying bonds in advance, emphasizing that early payment does not guarantee visa approval. This warning highlights potential risks associated with the US visa bond requirement, particularly concerning fraudulent third-party websites that may attempt to exploit applicants.
“Do NOT pay your bond in advance. Paying early does not guarantee you a visa, and third-party sites can be scams. Any payment made before your interview is NOT refundable,” the embassy stated. This guidance underscores that the US visa bond requirement should only be paid after appropriate official instructions, and applicants should exercise caution to avoid financial losses through scams.
The embassy further clarified that under the US visa bond requirement terms, the bond will be returned to applicants who respect the conditions of their visa, functioning as a refundable security deposit rather than a non-refundable fee.
Trump Administration’s Immigration Crackdown
The US visa bond requirement forms part of a broader Trump administration strategy to impose stricter conditions on international visitors and crack down on immigration. This policy expansion represents one of several measures designed to tighten control over who enters the United States and under what conditions.
Beyond the US visa bond requirement taking effect on January 21, the Trump administration has implemented additional stringent measures for visa applicants. These include mandatory in-person visa interviews, extensive social media vetting procedures, and requirements for detailed information about applicants’ travel histories and living arrangements. Together, these measures create a more complex and scrutinized application process.
Policy Rationale and Official Justification
US officials have defended the US visa bond requirement by arguing that the bond system helps discourage visitors from overstaying their visas. According to authorities, the payment functions as a compliance guarantee rather than a traditional fee, incentivizing visa holders to adhere to the terms of their authorized stay and depart the United States before their visas expire.
The US visa bond requirement is designed to create financial accountability, with the refundable nature of the bond serving as motivation for proper compliance with visa conditions. Officials contend this mechanism addresses concerns about visa overstays, which have been identified as a significant immigration enforcement challenge.
Criticism and Concerns About Accessibility
Critics of the US visa bond requirement have raised serious concerns about the policy’s impact on visa accessibility. The $15,000 bond places the visa process far beyond the financial reach of many applicants from affected countries, potentially limiting the number of people who can afford to apply. This financial barrier raises questions about equity and whether the US visa bond requirement disproportionately affects lower-income applicants.
Critics argue that the US visa bond requirement effectively restricts international travel and cultural exchange by creating prohibitive costs. For many families and individuals in Bangladesh and other affected nations, accumulating $15,000 for a refundable bond represents an insurmountable obstacle, regardless of the bond’s eventual return.
Scope of the Policy Expansion
The US visa bond requirement affects 38 countries according to the State Department order, with Bangladesh among the nations facing this new mandate. The majority of affected countries are located in Africa and Latin America, suggesting a geographic pattern in the policy’s application. This expansion significantly broadens a previously more limited visa bond program.
Implications for Bangladeshi Travelers
For Bangladeshi citizens planning US travel, the US visa bond requirement creates substantial planning and financial challenges. Prospective travelers must now factor this significant deposit into their travel budgets while understanding that payment occurs only after visa approval, not during the initial application process. The refundable nature provides some reassurance, but the upfront financial burden remains considerable for most applicants seeking to visit the United States.
