Bank statement for a tourist visa: how much money do you need?
There is rarely a fixed minimum, but bank statements are the document embassies read most closely. How much to show for the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and Schengen, and the patterns that cause refusals.
In this article
Short answer: most countries do not publish a fixed minimum balance for a tourist visa. Officers ask one question: does this person have enough money for this trip, and does the account look like their real, regular finances? A steady balance with your salary arriving every month is worth more than a big number that appeared last week.
What officers look for
- Regular income. Salary or business income arriving every month, matching your payslips or invoices.
- A balance that fits the trip. Flights, accommodation, daily costs and a margin.
- Stability. No large, unexplained deposits shortly before applying.
- Your own life. Normal spending: rent, groceries, transport. An account with no activity except one deposit looks borrowed.
Country by country
| Country | Official rule | What to show |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | No fixed amount | Six months of statements; balance covering the whole trip |
| USA | No fixed amount; officer judges at interview | Recent statements and payslips, ready to show |
| Canada | No fixed amount | Statements showing funds for the stay; explain large deposits |
| Australia | No fixed amount | Statements and proof of income; health insurance |
| Schengen countries | Each country sets a daily reference amount | Statements covering the daily amount times the days of your stay |
For Schengen visas, each country publishes its own reference amount per day, listed by the European Commission. Portugal, France or Spain may ask for different sums.
How far back
- UK: six months is the safe standard.
- USA, Canada, Australia: three to six months is common.
- Schengen: usually three months.
Use statements from your bank, with your name, account number and the bank’s stamp or digital signature if possible.
If someone else pays
If a parent, spouse or host pays for your trip:
- include their statements and proof of income
- add a short sponsor letter: who they are, their relationship to you, what they pay for
- include proof of the relationship, such as a marriage or birth certificate
Patterns that cause refusals
- a large deposit just before applying, with no explanation
- a balance much lower than the trip costs
- an income in the form that differs from the statements
- cash deposits with no clear source
- statements in another person’s name without explanation
If you did receive a large amount (a bonus, a sale, a gift), add a one-line explanation and proof, such as a sale contract.
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I need for a UK visitor visa?
There is no fixed amount. Show enough to cover the whole trip comfortably, with six months of normal account activity.
Can I borrow money to show in my account?
Do not. Borrowed funds that appear suddenly are easy to spot and are a common reason for refusal.
Do I need a Portuguese bank account?
Not always, but statements from the country where you live and earn support your ties to Portugal.
Should bank statements be translated?
If they are not in a language the embassy accepts (usually English or its own language), yes.
Sources
This article is general information. Rules change: before you apply, our team confirms what applies to you.
