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

Source: Dhaka Tribune January 19, 2026 15:55 UTC