US Embassy Announces Visa Bond Requirement for Bangladeshi Citizens

The United States Embassy in Dhaka has announced a significant update for Bangladeshi citizens applying for B1/B2 business and tourist visas. From 21 January 2026, a new requirement will come into effect: applicants may be asked to deposit a visa bond of up to USD 15,000 as part of the application process.

The announcement was made on Monday via the Embassy’s official Facebook page, providing clear guidance to prospective travellers and business visitors. The Embassy emphasised that this new measure is aimed at ensuring compliance with US visa regulations and safeguarding the integrity of the visa process.

According to the notice, the bond requirement applies only to applicants whose visas are approved from 21 January 2026 onwards. Citizens holding valid B1/B2 visas issued before this date are exempt from this new rule.

A key advisory from the Embassy warns applicants not to pay the bond in advance of their visa interview. Any premature payment does not guarantee visa approval and may involve fraudulent third-party websites. Payments made prior to the interview are non-refundable.

Once the visa is granted and all conditions of the visa are duly followed, including adhering to the permitted duration of stay, the bond will be refunded. This mechanism is designed to encourage compliance with visa regulations and ensure that applicants return to Bangladesh after their approved stay in the United States.

The Embassy’s communication also highlighted the potential risks of using unverified agents or unofficial channels to process the bond. Applicants are advised to rely only on official channels provided by the US Embassy to avoid scams or financial loss.

Key Details of the B1/B2 Visa Bond Requirement

This development marks one of the most significant updates in US visa policy for Bangladesh in recent years, and the Embassy urges all applicants to carefully follow the official instructions. Observers note that while the bond may seem a financial hurdle, it is primarily intended to ensure accountability and lawful travel to the United States, particularly for business and tourism purposes.

With the deadline approaching, applicants are encouraged to prepare their documentation carefully, schedule interviews promptly, and use only official US Embassy portals for all related payments and communications.