United States Introduces Departure Bond Requirement for Visa Applicants
From 21 January 2026, Bangladeshi nationals who are granted new B-1/B-2 business or tourist visas will be required to submit a refundable departure bond of up to USD 15,000 before traveling to the United States.
The announcement was made by the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka under provisions of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows consular officers to request a financial guarantee when there are concerns about potential visa overstays. The objective of this measure is to improve compliance with U.S. immigration regulations and ensure visitors depart the country within their authorized stay period.
This requirement will apply only to B-1/B-2 visas issued on or after 21 January 2026. Bangladeshi travelers who already hold valid U.S. visitor visas will not be affected. The rule also does not apply to other visa categories, including student visas such as F-1 or employment-based visas such as H-1B.
The departure bond will be fully refundable once the traveler leaves the United States on time and without any violation of visa conditions. If a visitor overstays or fails to comply with visa rules, U.S. authorities may retain the bond and take further immigration action.
Applicants have been strongly advised not to make any payments through unauthorized third parties. The U.S. Embassy has cautioned that many websites and agents claiming to facilitate bond payments are fraudulent. All official instructions regarding the bond will be communicated directly through authorized U.S. government channels.
For Bangladeshi individuals and organizations planning short-term travel to the United States, this policy introduces additional financial and administrative considerations. Employers, tour operators, and frequent travelers are encouraged to plan budgets carefully and allow extra time for visa processing. Some travelers may also wish to explore alternative visa categories that are not subject to this bond requirement.
This policy follows earlier U.S. initiatives that tested financial guarantees for visitors from certain high-overstay countries. Its implementation for Bangladeshi applicants reflects a stronger emphasis on compliance and may indicate broader use of departure bonds in the future.
