A Trip to the USA in 2026 May Cost $15,000 — But Not for Everyone
If you are planning a tourist or business trip to the USA on a B1/B2 visa, it is worth checking the new requirement in advance: a refundable visa deposit of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 may be imposed on citizens of certain countries. The money is refunded, but a significant amount will need to be frozen during the application and travel period.
Who Does This Apply To
The rule does not apply to all foreigners, but to citizens of countries on a special list. At the beginning of 2026, there were over 30 countries on this list, including Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Burundi, Cape Verde, Cuba, Nepal, Nigeria, Senegal, Tajikistan, Togo, Uganda, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe.
The mere fact of citizenship of such a country does not automatically mean a visa denial. If the consular officer deems the applicant generally eligible for a B1/B2, they may require a deposit as a condition for issuing the visa.
How the Deposit Works
The amount is set at one of three levels — $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. Payment is made through the government online platform Pay.gov, and the applicant must also file an immigration guarantee using form DHS I-352.
An important nuance: the deposit does not guarantee visa issuance. If the visa is denied, the funds must be refunded; they are also returned if the person does not use the visa before its expiration or is denied entry at the US border.
When Will the Money Be Refunded
For the traveler, the main condition is to leave the USA no later than the allowed date of stay. If the Department of Homeland Security's system records timely departure, the deposit should be canceled and automatically refunded.
This means it is not an additional non-refundable fee like a consular fee. However, the money may remain inaccessible throughout the process, and violating the terms of stay, including overstaying the allowed period, creates a risk of losing it.
Should You Plan the Trip
If you are not a citizen of a country on the relevant list, this requirement does not apply to you. If it does apply, the trip will require a much larger financial cushion: in addition to the deposit, there will be expenses for the visa, tickets, accommodation, and insurance.
Therefore, it is worth going if you are ready to temporarily freeze a significant amount and strictly adhere to the stay deadlines. For a short trip, this can be a significant financial barrier, even if the deposit is refunded after a proper exit.
Would you be willing to freeze $5,000–$15,000 for a trip to the USA?