DHAKA, Jan 19, 2025 (BSS) – The US Embassy today cautioned Bangladeshi visa applicants against paying any visa bond before interviews, warning that advance payments neither guarantee visa approval nor protect applicants from fraud or scams.

In a statement posted on its verified Facebook page today, the embassy said paying a bond in advance does not ensure a visa and noted that third-party websites offering such services may be fraudulent.

“Paying early does not guarantee you a visa, and third-party sites can be scams,” the embassy said, adding that any payment made before a visa interview is non-refundable. 

It noted that a bond would be returned only if the visa holder fully complies with its terms.

The warning comes ahead of a new US policy set to take effect on January 21, under which Bangladeshi citizens approved for B1/B2 (business or tourist) visas will be required to post a bond up to $15,000. 

The requirement will not apply to holders of valid B1/B2 visas issued before that date.

Earlier this month, the administration of US President Donald Trump added 25 more countries, including Bangladesh, to a list of nations whose citizens may be required to post entry bonds, Reuters reported on January 6, citing the US State Department website.

According to the website, eligible B1/B2 visa applicants from the listed countries may be required to post a bond of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000, with the amount determined during the visa interview.

Applicants must agree to the bond conditions and make payments exclusively through the US Treasury Department’s official online platform, Pay.gov, the state department said.

The expanded list now covers 38 countries, mostly from Africa, Latin America and South Asia. US authorities said the bond requirement aims to deter visitors from overstaying visas issued for tourism or business purposes.