The United States has introduced stricter visa rules once again, affecting travelers from several countries, including Bangladesh.
The new changes mainly impact people visiting the US for business or tourism and are aimed at tightening immigration control.
New Bond Requirement for Bangladeshi Travelers
According to the US Embassy in Dhaka, Bangladeshi citizens who are granted B1 or B2 visas on or after January 21, 2026, must submit a security bond of up to $15,000 before entering the United States.
This bond acts as a guarantee that the traveler will follow visa rules and return on time.
It is important to note that this rule does not apply to travelers who received their B1 or B2 visas before January 21, 2026.
Those visa holders can travel under the existing rules without paying any bond.
Important Warning from the US Embassy
The US Embassy has strongly advised applicants not to pay any bond amount in advance.
Paying before the visa interview does not increase the chances of approval and may lead to financial loss.
The embassy has also warned that many third-party websites falsely claim to collect bond payments, which can result in fraud.
If any payment is made before the interview, it will not be refunded.
However, travelers who meet all visa conditions and follow the rules during their stay will receive the full bond amount back after completing their travel.
Who This Rule Applies To and Why It Matters
B1 and B2 visas are issued for short-term visits related to business meetings, tourism, or limited personal work.
Apart from Bangladesh, the same bond requirement applies to travelers from several African and Latin American countries.
The US government says this step has been taken to reduce visa overstays and strengthen security measures.
Travelers planning a US visit are advised to stay informed and carefully follow official embassy guidelines to avoid complications.
