The United States has significantly broadened its list of countries whose citizens are now required to provide a visa bond—or financial guarantee—of up to USD 15,000 before entering the country. The expansion, first introduced under the Trump administration, has nearly tripled the number of countries subject to this requirement.
On Tuesday, 6 January, the US Department of State updated its official travel website, confirming that citizens of several new countries, including Bangladesh, have been added to the list. For Bangladeshi nationals, the maximum bond is set at USD 15,000, equivalent to approximately ৳1,835,000 at the current exchange rate of USD 1 = ৳122.31.
What is a Visa Bond?
A visa bond is a form of financial security required from citizens of certain countries when applying for a temporary US visa. Its purpose is to ensure that the visa holder complies with the conditions of their visa, particularly regarding the authorised period of stay.
The United States issues thousands of non-immigrant visas every year to foreign students, tourists, and temporary workers. These visas can range in duration from a few weeks to several years. If a visa holder overstays beyond the approved period, they are classified as being in violation of US immigration law.
Selected Countries Added to the New Visa Bond List
| Country | Maximum Bond (USD) | Equivalent in Bangladeshi Taka (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | 15,000 | 1,835,000 |
| Country 1 | 15,000 | 1,835,000 |
| Country 2 | 15,000 | 1,835,000 |
| Country 3 | 15,000 | 1,835,000 |
Most countries already require visa applicants to demonstrate sufficient financial capacity before issuance. However, providing a refundable bond as a condition for a visa is relatively rare. For instance, New Zealand previously introduced visa bonds but later discontinued them. In 2013, the United Kingdom implemented bonds for citizens of certain “high-risk” countries, a policy that has since been rescinded.
The US administration views this expanded bond list as a measure to prevent visa overstays and address national security concerns. At the same time, the policy may impose an additional financial burden on citizens of newly added countries, including Bangladesh, particularly for students and temporary workers seeking entry to the United States.