The United States has introduced stricter visa conditions for Bangladeshi nationals, creating a significant financial barrier to short-term travel. Under a newly updated visa bond policy, Bangladesh has been added to a list of countries whose citizens may be required to deposit up to $15,000 as a refundable bond to obtain a U.S. tourist or business visa. The new requirement is set to take effect from January 21, making travel to the US more expensive and complicated for many Bangladeshis.

Bangladesh has been added to the U.S. visa bond list

The US State Department updated its visa bond country list on January 6, newly including Bangladesh. With this addition, the total number of countries on the list has risen to 38. Citizens of these countries may be required to pay a visa bond when applying for temporary nonimmigrant visas, particularly B-1/B-2 business and tourist visas.

Who may be asked to pay the bond?

According to State Department guidelines, a consular officer may impose a visa bond even if an applicant meets all standard visa requirements. The bond amount can be set at $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, depending on the applicant’s profile, travel purpose, and the officer’s assessment during the interview.

How the bond must be paid

If imposed, the bond must be deposited through the US Treasury Department’s official online payment system. Applicants have been advised not to make any payment unless they receive written instructions from the consular officer.

Why did the US introduce the bond

US authorities say the visa bond is part of a pilot program aimed at reducing visa overstays. The policy mainly targets countries whose nationals have comparatively higher rates of remaining in the US beyond the permitted period. The program was first launched in a limited form last August and has now been expanded.

When the bond is refundable

The bond is not intended to be withheld permanently. It will be refunded if the traveler leaves the US within the authorized period, does not travel despite receiving the visa, or is denied entry at a US airport. However, the bond will be forfeited if the traveler overstays or applies to change visa status while in the US, including seeking asylum.

Restricted entry points

Travelers subject to the visa bond will also face restrictions on entry points. They must enter the US through one of three designated international airports. Entering through other airports may be treated as a violation of the bond conditions and could complicate the refund process.

Other countries on the list

Bangladesh joins several countries from Africa, Latin America, and South Asia on the visa bond list. These include Algeria, Angola, Bhutan, Cuba, Djibouti, Fiji, Nigeria, Nepal, and Uganda. The policy takes effect on different dates for different countries.

Impact on Bangladeshi travelers

Experts warn that the decision will significantly increase the cost and complexity of travel to the US for Bangladeshis, particularly for tourism and short business visits. Prospective travelers will need to prepare for additional financial and procedural requirements.

What is a visa bond

A visa bond is a financial guarantee that helps ensure compliance with visa conditions, particularly the authorized length of stay. While many countries require proof of economic capacity, refundable visa bonds are relatively rare internationally and have been used only on a limited basis.

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