Attention travelers to the US: 'Deposit' fee added to visas

The US is preparing to demand a new fee from those arriving in the country with a visa. This policy, which is expected to come into effect on October 1, 2025, or at the latest by January 1, 2026, stipulates that a deposit of at least 250 dollars will be collected from every visa holder. This deposit will be refunded to those who comply with visa conditions and leave the country on time.

It was noted that the primary goal of this policy is to prevent illegal immigration and unauthorized employment. The US states that 42 percent of the 11 million people residing in the country illegally arrived on a legal visa and failed to depart.

STUDENTS WILL ALSO BE CHARGED

Students, employees, tourists, and other visa holders traveling to the US from countries like Turkey will also be affected by this policy. Citizens of European Union countries, the UK, Japan, and South Korea will be exempt from this deposit as they are able to enter without a visa.

The US had previously made it a requirement for social media accounts to be public during visa applications. With this new deposit policy, the requirement for social media accounts to be public will also play a significant role in the visa application process.

News Source: 12punto