In a significant tightening of immigration controls, the United States has introduced stringent new requirements for B1/B2 visa applicants from Bangladesh and 37 other nations. Starting January 21, 2026, Bangladeshi citizens seeking business or tourist visas must post a $15,000 bond, equivalent to roughly 18 lakh Bangladeshi Taka, to secure approval.
This measure, announced by the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka, stems from heightened national security concerns and aims to curb visa overstays. The bond requirement applies only to new visas issued after the cutoff date; existing valid B1/B2 visas remain unaffected. Applicants will need to submit Form I-352 from the Department of Homeland Security and agree to bond terms via the official Pay.gov platform.
The U.S. Embassy has issued stark warnings against advance bond payments or dealings with third-party sites, emphasizing that no such prepayments guarantee visa approval and could expose applicants to scams. ‘Any payment made before your interview is non-refundable,’ the embassy stated in a verified social media post. Bonds will be refunded only if visa conditions are fully honored.
This policy forms part of a broader U.S. strategy targeting high-risk countries. While Bangladesh faces the $15,000 bond from January 21, 2026, other nations like Bhutan and Botswana will see implementation from January 1, 2026. Countries including Malawi and Zambia start earlier on August 20, 2025. Bond amounts vary—$5,000, $10,000, or $15,000—determined at the visa interview.
The move echoes the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration stance, which previously suspended non-immigrant visas for 75 countries including Pakistan and Bangladesh. Critics argue it disproportionately impacts ordinary travelers, but U.S. officials insist it’s essential for border security. As global travel rebounds, these rules could reshape mobility for millions from developing nations, forcing applicants to weigh costs against benefits.