From tomorrow, Kyrgyz citizens may need up to $20,000 to obtain a US visa

From 3 August, Kyrgyz citizens applying for a US B-1/B-2 tourist or business visa will have to be prepared to pay a refundable deposit of up to $20,000. At the official exchange rate, this is almost 1.75 million KGS.

The new procedure comes into force tomorrow. According to the final rule issued by the US State Department, a consular officer will be able to set one of three security deposit amounts for the applicant:

• $10,000 – approximately 874,500 KGS;
• $15,000 – approximately 1.31 million KGS;
• $20,000 – approximately 1.75 million KGS.

The specific amount will be determined during the application review, taking into account the applicant’s circumstances. The deposit will be a condition for the issuance of a visa; however, paying it does not guarantee a positive decision.

This is not the first time Kyrgyz citizens have faced visa deposits. The country joined the relevant US programme on 21 January 2026. However, previously the amounts were $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000. From 3 August, the minimum threshold will double to $10,000, and the maximum to $20,000.

The new maximum amount is almost 34 times higher than the average monthly wage in Kyrgyzstan, which stood at 51,900 KGS between January and May 2026. To save up 1.75 million KGS, an average wage earner would have to set aside their entire income for almost three years.

The deposit is refundable. The money must be returned if the visa holder complies with the conditions of their stay and leaves the US on time. If visa regulations are breached, the deposit may be retained.

The deposit must only be paid upon direct instruction from a consular officer via the official government platform.