US Adds Bangladesh to Visa Bond List: Travelers Must Deposit Up to $15,000

The United States has added 25 more countries, including Bangladesh, to its visa bond list, requiring travelers to deposit bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 when applying for B1/B2 visas. This decision, announced by the US State Department, aims to discourage visa overstays, particularly for those visiting for tourism or business.

Effective January 21, the policy applies to citizens of high-risk nations that have historically experienced high rates of visa overstays. This bond requirement is designed to incentivize travelers to leave the US before their visa expires, with the amount determined during the visa interview. Travelers must agree to the bond terms through the US Treasury's online payment platform, Pay.gov.

The list, which now includes 38 countries, is part of President Donald Trump’s administration’s broader efforts to tighten immigration controls. This move follows the expansion of a pilot program launched in August 2025, which initially targeted select nations.

Human rights groups have criticized these measures, arguing that they infringe on due process and free speech. Supporters, however, argue that they are crucial for national security.