The United States has introduced a new immigration policy known as the US Visa Deposit Algeria requirement, which obliges some Algerian nationals to pay a refundable financial deposit of up to $15,000 when applying for a tourist or business visa starting in January 2026. The measure aims to reduce visa overstays and strengthen immigration controls for visitors entering the country.
The new rule was announced by the US State Department in a statement released on January 6, confirming that Algeria has been added to a list of 38 countries whose citizens may be subject to the financial guarantee when applying for B1/B2 visas.
Under the policy, Algerian applicants who qualify for the visa category may be asked to pay a refundable deposit of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. The exact amount will be determined by a consular officer during the visa interview.
This deposit will be required in addition to standard visa processing fees and other administrative costs already associated with US visa applications.
US authorities say the initiative is designed to limit visa overstays and irregular immigration. The countries included in the program were identified based on data from the Department of Homeland Security analyzing overstay rates among foreign visitors entering the United States.
Alongside Algeria, several other African countries are affected by the measure, including Senegal, Mauritania, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Gabon, and Angola.
The State Department clarified that applicants should only pay the deposit after receiving explicit instructions from a consular officer. Payments must be made exclusively through the official Pay.gov platform using Form I-352 from the Department of Homeland Security.
Officials warned that payments made without prior authorization will not be reimbursed, even if the visa application is ultimately rejected. In addition, paying the deposit does not guarantee that the visa will be approved.
Travel conditions linked to the new policy also include restrictions on entry points. Travelers granted visas under this system may be required to enter and exit the United States through designated airports such as Boston, New York JFK, or Washington Dulles.
Failure to comply with these travel conditions could result in refusal of entry by US border authorities.
The refundable deposit will be returned in specific situations. Travelers will receive the full refund if they leave the United States before the authorized period of stay expires.
Refunds will also be granted if the traveler does not enter the United States before the visa expires, or if entry is denied at a US border checkpoint.
However, if the traveler overstays the permitted duration of the visa, the entire deposit will be permanently forfeited.
The introduction of the US Visa Deposit Algeria rule represents a significant financial hurdle for many Algerians seeking to travel legally to the United States. Analysts say the measure could reduce the number of visa applications and reshape travel patterns between the two countries in the coming years.
Sami B. is the founder and editor of Algeria News Gate, an independent English-language platform covering Algeria’s political, economic, and business developments. Based in Europe, he reports on official announcements, economic trends, and international relations involving Algeria.