Dhaka, Jan. 7 -- Bangladesh has been added to a list of countries whose citizens are required to post a visa bond of up to $15,000 in order to travel to the United States.

Under the policy, applicants from listed countries who are otherwise eligible for B1/B2 visitor visas may be asked to pay a refundable bond before entry is granted.

The US State Department expanded the list on Tuesday, adding another 25 countries, including Bangladesh, according to Channel News Asia.

The newly covered countries also include Nepal, Nigeria, Venezuela, Zimbabwe, Cuba and several African and Pacific island nations. The requirement for the latest additions will take effect from Jan 21.

The policy allows US authorities to require bonds of $5,000, $10,000...