Bangladeshi nationals obtaining United States B1 or B2 visas under new bond requirements will face strict 30-day maximum stays with single-entry restrictions starting  January 21.

Trump administration's State Department imposed the limitations alongside mandatory financial bonds ranging from USD 5,000-15,000 for Bangladeshi visa applicants. Restrictions drastically reduce flexibility compared to standard tourist and business visa conditions.

Visa holders who post bonds must enter and exit United States exclusively through three designated airports: Boston Logan International, John F Kennedy International in New York, and Washington Dulles International in Virginia. Failure to comply may result in denied entry or unrecorded departures affecting future travel.

Single-entry restriction means travellers cannot leave and re-enter United States during their authorised stay period. Restriction particularly impacts business professionals requiring multiple trips or tourists planning regional travel including Canada or Mexico visits.

Standard B1 or B2 visas typically allow multiple entries over extended validity periods, often up to 10 years with six-month stays per visit. New policy reduces Bangladeshi travellers' stays to just one month with no re-entry option.

US government justifies restrictions as measures to prevent visa overstays and strengthen immigration compliance. Officials cite Bangladesh's historical overstay rates from Department of Homeland Security data as primary rationale.

Bonds will be refunded if travellers depart before authorised 30-day period expires. However, overstaying triggers bond forfeiture and potential immigration consequences including future visa denials.

Policy affects approximately 10 lakh Bangladeshi nationals in United States maintaining family and business connections. Restrictions create significant challenges for those requiring extended stays for medical treatment, family events or business negotiations.

Source: US State Department, US Embassy Dhaka.