How the New US Visa Bond Affects Travelers from Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal

A fresh U.S. policy obliges citizens of fifty countries to post a visa bond before a B‑1/B‑2 visa can be granted. Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal are among the nations listed, with the bond requirement becoming active on 21 January for Bangladesh and Nepal and 1 January for Bhutan.

The bond, set at $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000, is decided by the consular officer during the interview. It can be paid by the applicant or a third‑party sponsor such as a relative, friend or business partner. Once the traveler complies with all bond conditions, the deposited amount is refunded.

The initiative is anchored in Immigration and Nationality Act section 221(g)(3) and is designed to reduce the number of temporary‑visa overstays. The government uses overstay statistics from the Department of Homeland Security’s Entry/Exit database to pinpoint high‑risk passport holders.

Affected applicants must also submit DHS Form I‑352 and accept the bond terms via the Treasury Department’s online payment portal. The State Department stresses that no payment should be made before an explicit request from the consular officer, and that a bond does not equate to a guaranteed visa.

Travelers who meet the bond requirement must travel through commercial airports that have U.S. Customs and Border Protection pre‑clearance. Charter flights, private aviation, over‑land routes and sea ports are excluded.

Any alleged breach of bond conditions will be referred to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which will decide on further action.