Regulatory Alerts2026-05-11
Release of Foreign Currency for Visa Bonds and Refundable Security Deposits
Bangladesh Bank’s Foreign Exchange Policy Department-1 authorizes Authorized Dealers to remit foreign currency or issue and preload international and virtual cards on behalf of individual applicants to cover visa bonds and refundable security deposits. Dealers must verify applicants’ valid passports and official demand letters from embassies or competent authorities detailing the required amounts, currencies, and refund terms, while also securing visa application references. Authorized Dealers are required to maintain dedicated transaction registers, actively monitor bond releases, ensure immediate repatriation of refunded funds to Bangladesh, and comply with standard reporting, tax, and AML/CFT regulations.
Foreign Exchange Policy Department-1 Bangladesh Bank Head Office Dhaka www.bb.org.bd FEPD-1 Circular No. 09 Date: May 11, 2026 All Authorized Dealers in Foreign Exchange in Bangladesh Release of foreign currency for visa bond/ refundable security deposit for visa purposes Dear Sirs, Please refer to paragraph 32 of FE Circular No. 37 dated September 30, 2025 regarding remittances on account of visa fees. 02. To facilitate visa applicants, it has been decided that Authorized Dealers (ADs) may, on behalf of individual applicants, remit for visa bonds or refundable security deposits to embassies, high commissions, or other competent authorities where such remittance is required as a precondition. Alternatively, ADs may issue international or virtual cards in the name of applicants, preloaded with the required amount of bond or security deposit amount. For existing cardholders under travel entitlement, ADs may reload the cards with the required amount, provided that such amount is used solely for the stated visa purpose. The visa bond or security deposit shall be repatriated to Bangladesh immediately upon release by the concerned authorities. 03. Prior to effecting such remittance or issuing/reloading international cards, ADs shall observe the following instructions: (a) ADs shall verify the applicant’s valid passport and an official demand letter, invoice, or other relevant document issued by the concerned embassies, high commissions, or competent authorities, clearly specifying the requirement of the visa bond or refundable security deposit, including the amount, currency, and refund terms. (b) ADs shall obtain the visa application reference or acknowledgment, along with any other relevant supporting documents. 04. The above facilities are also applicable against balance held in ERQ accounts, RFCD accounts, or through transactions by international cards issued against such accounts, subject to observance of the respective instructions in this regard. 05. ADs shall maintain a separate register for such transactions and actively monitor the status of bond release/refund. Necessary follow-up shall be ensured to facilitate timely repatriation. 06. All transactions are subject to routine reports to Bangladesh Bank, compliance with regulations on applicable taxes, AML/CFT norms, and other applicable rules. Please bring the contents of this circular to the notice of all concerned constituents. Yours faithfully, (Md. Harun-Ar-Rashid) Director (FEPD-1) Phone: 9530123