U.S. Sets Visa Bond Requirement for Bangladeshi Applicants

The United States has included Bangladesh in its visa bond program, under which certain Bangladeshi applicants for B-1 business and B-2 tourist visas may be required to post a bond of up to $20,000 as a condition of visa issuance.

According to a U.S. Department of State notice, consular officers can require eligible applicants to post a bond in amounts set under the program. The State Department’s current guidance says the bond amounts are $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000, with the specific amount determined at the visa interview.

The requirement applies to nationals of countries identified by the U.S. government under its visa-bond program. Bangladesh is among the countries currently listed by the State Department.

The measure applies to certain applicants for B-1 and B-2 nonimmigrant visas. A consular officer determines whether an applicant must post the bond after assessing the case.

The bond does not guarantee visa approval. Applicants are instructed to post the bond only after being directed to do so by a consular officer. The State Department says payment should be made through the official U.S. government payment system, Pay.gov, and applicants should not use third-party websites.

Under the current rules, the bond can be returned if the visa holder leaves the United States on or before the authorized departure date, does not travel to the United States before the visa expires, or is denied admission at a U.S. port of entry.

The State Department's list includes 50 countries whose nationals are subject to the visa-bond program. Bangladesh is listed alongside countries including Algeria, Angola, Bhutan, Cambodia, Cuba, Ethiopia, Georgia, Nepal, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, Venezuela, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The program has already been implemented for Bangladesh, with the State Department listing January 21, 2026 as the implementation date.

Visa-bond holders also face specific travel conditions. The State Department says they must enter and exit the United States through designated commercial air ports of entry, including eligible CBP preclearance locations; land, sea, charter-air and general-aviation ports cannot be used under the bond conditions.

The new requirement does not mean every Bangladeshi applying for a U.S. visitor visa will automatically have to pay the maximum amount. The State Department says the amount, if a bond is required, is determined during the visa interview.

Applicants should therefore wait for instructions from the U.S. consular officer before making any bond payment.

The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka continues to provide visa services, while the State Department's current guidance confirms that Bangladesh remains subject to the visa-bond requirement.