Going Abroad? Know How Much Money You Need In Your Account For Visa Approval

Last Updated:July 15, 2025, 14:35 IST

Visa approvals require proof of sufficient funds varying by country, backed by bank statements, payslips, travel plans, and sometimes sponsorship details

If you’re planning to travel abroad, it’s essential to know that visa rules require proof of sufficient funds, varying by country (around £5,000 to £10,000), supported by bank statements, payslips, and travel plans. Whether visiting the US, Australia, France or elsewhere, you’ll need to show adequate funds in your bank account, not just to cover trip expenses, but also to satisfy visa criteria and demonstrate your intent to return home.

Understanding Visa Criteria

Visa officers assess your financial stability through documents such as bank statements, payslips, income tax returns, and travel itineraries. They must be confident you’re a genuine tourist, likely to comply with your visa terms. Travel insurance and a strong travel history further bolster your application.

If you’re planning to visit countries such as the United States, Australia, Canada, France, Spain, Sri Lanka, or Japan, it’s important to be aware of the minimum bank balance required for visa approval. This varies by country and depends on the length and nature of your trip.

United States (USA) – B1/B2 Tourist Visa

• Minimum Bank Balance: There is no fixed amount, but it is advisable to have between $6,000 and $10,000 (approximately Rs 5 to 8 lakh) for a 15 to 20 day trip. The required amount may vary based on your travel duration, accommodation, and planned activities. The financial standing of any sponsors is also scrutinised.
• Documents Required: Bank statements for the last six months, salary slips, income tax returns, and detailed travel plans to verify sufficient funds and genuine travel intent.

Australia – Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)

• Minimum Bank Balance: Recommended amount is $5,000 to $10,000 (around Rs 2.5 to 5 lakh) for a 2 to 4 week stay. Daily expenses generally range from $100 to $150 (approximately Rs 5,000-7,500). Families may require a higher amount.
• Documents Required: Bank statements for 3 to 6 months, salary slips, income tax returns, travel itinerary, and sponsor details if applicable.

Spain – Schengen Visa

• Minimum Bank Balance: Spain requires roughly €100 (around Rs 9,000) per day, with a minimum of €900 (approximately Rs 81,000) for a tourist visa. For a 15-day trip, having Rs 1.5 to 2 lakh is advisable.
• Documents Required: Bank and credit card statements for 3 to 6 months, travellers’ cheques, travel plans, hotel bookings, return tickets, proof of employment, and travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000.

France – Schengen Visa

• Minimum Bank Balance: A daily amount of €100 to 120 (Rs 9,000 to 11,000) is recommended. For 15 days, around Rs 1.5 to 2 lakh is suggested. For family or friends travelling together, €45 per day may be sufficient.
• Documents Required: Bank statements for 3 months, salary slips, credit card statements, hotel bookings or invitation letters, return tickets, employment proof, and travel insurance with €30,000 coverage.

Sri Lanka – Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

• Minimum Bank Balance: There is no fixed minimum, but $1,000 to 2,000 (approximately Rs 80,000 to 1.6 lakh) is generally advised for trips lasting 15 to 30 days.
• Documents Required: Bank or credit card statements, travel itinerary, hotel reservations, return tickets, and a passport valid for at least six months.

Germany – Schengen Visa

• Minimum Bank Balance: Similar to France and Spain, Germany requires about €100 to 120 (Rs 9,000 to 11,000) per day. For a 15-day trip, this amounts to approximately Rs 1.5 to 2 lakh.
• Documents Required: Bank statements for 3 to 6 months, confirmed bookings, tickets, and travel insurance with €30,000 coverage.

Canada – Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)

• Minimum Bank Balance: No fixed amount is set, but CAD $5,000 to 10,000 (approximately Rs 3 to 6 lakh) is recommended for 2 to 4 weeks of travel, with daily expenses of CAD $100 to 150 (around Rs 6,000 to 9,000).
• Documents Required: Bank statements for 3 to 6 months, travel plans, hotel bookings, and invitation letters if applicable.

Final Tips

Make sure your bank balance meets the requirements for your destination country, and prepare all necessary documents carefully. Having these in order will help ensure a smoother visa application process and a hassle-free journey abroad.

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