Buckle up, Bangladeshi travelers—America’s demanding a $15,000 bond for B1/B2 visas starting January 21, 2026, in a sweeping reform hitting 38 countries. Designed to tackle security gaps and rampant overstays, the rule requires DHS Form I-352 and Pay.gov approval post-interview.
Pre-2026 visas dodge the bullet, but fresh applicants commit to $5,000-$15,000 bonds tailored at consulates. Dhaka’s U.S. mission fired off alerts: Skip advance pays—they’re non-refundable and scam magnets. ‘No guarantees from hasty transactions or shady sites,’ their X post reads bluntly.
Refunds await rule-followers only. This layers onto Trump-inherited restrictions that paused non-immigrant processing for 75 nations like Pakistan. Phased launches include early hits: Gambia (Oct 11, 2025), Tanzania (Oct 23, 2025), Malawi (Aug 20, 2025), with bulk activation January 2026 for Bangladesh, Nigeria, Cuba, and peers.
The policy’s ripple effects? Skyrocketing costs could ground business deals, family reunions, and vacations. U.S. frames it as vital protection; voices from affected countries call it punitive. As enforcement ramps up, applicants must navigate official paths meticulously, marking a new era of costly U.S. entry.