The US Department has officially launched a visa deposit program. Applicants for tourist and business visas (B1/B2) from citizens of 50 countries are now required to pay a deposit of up to $20,000.
Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan have also been included in the list of countries covered by this system.
According to official statements from US representatives, this measure is aimed at reducing instances of visa rule violations and exceeding the permitted stay duration in the country. The new rule was adopted based on the results of a pilot program deemed effective by Washington and will take effect on August 3, 2025.