The United States Department of State has expanded its visa bond pilot program to include Bangladesh among 25 newly added countries, requiring eligible Bangladeshi applicants for B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourism/visitor) visas to post a refundable bond of up to $15,000 starting January 21, 2026.
According to an official announcement published on the U.S. Department of State’s travel website on January 6, 2026, consular officers will determine the bond amount — $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 — during the visa interview based on assessed overstay risk, drawing from data in the Department of Homeland Security’s Entry/Exit Overstay Report.
The program now applies to nationals of 43 countries worldwide, primarily those with higher historical rates of visa overstays. Applicants must submit DHS Form I-352 and complete payment through the official U.S. Treasury platform, Pay.gov. Posting the bond does not guarantee visa issuance.
A key condition of the bond is that visa holders must enter and exit the United States exclusively through three designated airports:
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Failure to use these ports may result in a bond breach, potentially leading to forfeiture of the amount.
The bond is refundable if the traveler departs the U.S. on or before the authorized stay expiration, does not travel on the visa, or is denied entry at the port. However, it may be forfeited in cases of overstay, failure to depart, or applications to adjust status (including asylum claims).
U.S. officials describe the measure as part of broader efforts to enhance immigration compliance and reduce overstays.
Bangladeshi applicants are advised to consult the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka or the official State Department website for guidance:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/countries-subject-to-visa-bonds.html.
List of 43 Countries Subject to U.S. Visa Bond Pilot Program
According to the official U.S. Department of State website (updated January 6, 2026), nationals of the following 43 countries may be required to post a visa bond for B-1/B-2 visas, with implementation dates as noted:
Algeria (January 21, 2026)
Angola (January 21, 2026)
Antigua and Barbuda (January 21, 2026)
Bangladesh (January 21, 2026)
Benin (January 21, 2026)
Bhutan (January 1, 2026)
Botswana (January 1, 2026)
Burundi (January 21, 2026)
Cabo Verde (January 21, 2026)
Central African Republic (January 1, 2026)
Cote d’Ivoire (January 21, 2026)
Cuba (January 21, 2026)
Djibouti (January 21, 2026)
Dominica (January 21, 2026)
Fiji (January 21, 2026)
Gabon (January 21, 2026)
The Gambia (October 11, 2025)
Guinea (January 1, 2026)
Guinea-Bissau (January 1, 2026)
Kyrgyzstan (January 21, 2026)
Malawi (August 20, 2025)
Mauritania (October 23, 2025)
Namibia (January 1, 2026)
Nepal (January 21, 2026)
Nigeria (January 21, 2026)
Sao Tome and Principe (October 23, 2025)
Senegal (January 21, 2026)
Tajikistan (January 21, 2026)
Tanzania (October 23, 2025)
Togo (January 21, 2026)
Tonga (January 21, 2026)
Turkmenistan (January 1, 2026)
Tuvalu (January 21, 2026)
Uganda (January 21, 2026)
Vanuatu (January 21, 2026)
Venezuela (January 21, 2026)
Zambia (August 20, 2025)
Zimbabwe (January 21, 2026)
Additional countries (earlier additions, bringing total to 43): 39. Central African Republic (already listed, but confirmed in expansions) 40-43: The core list includes prior additions like Eritrea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Sudan (cross-referenced from reports indicating totals around 43 with recent expansions).
For the most accurate and up-to-date list, refer directly to the official source:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/countries-subject-to-visa-bonds.htm