Country-wise tourist visa fees & processing time comparison
Understanding tourist visa fees and processing timelines is essential for planning a smooth international trip. As global travel rebounds, countries have updated their visa requirements, fees, and timelines to streamline entry for foreign travelers. In this comprehensive guide, we provide an in-depth, country-wise comparison of tourist visa fees, application methods, and processing durations to help travelers make informed decisions with confidence.
Why Tourist Visa Fees & Processing Times Matter
Planning an international trip involves more than flights and accommodation. Visa costs and approval timelines often determine the feasibility of travel dates, budgeting, and itinerary preparation. Whether it’s a country offering visa-free entry, eVisa, or consular processing, understanding the cost and timeline helps travelers avoid delays and last-minute expenses.
Country-Wise Tourist Visa Comparison
Below is a detailed breakdown of major tourist destinations grouped by region, covering visa fees, timelines, and additional requirements.
Budget-Friendly Destinations (Under INR 5,000)
Southeast Asia stands out as the most affordable region for visa applications.
Japan offers exceptional value with fees starting from just INR 500-1,300 and a quick processing time of 5-7 working days, making it one of the best options for budget-conscious travelers.
Singapore charges INR 1,900-3,999 with processing completed in 3-5 working days, and Malaysia ranges from INR 3,500-7,500 with 3-7 working days processing time.
Vietnam remains highly competitive at approximately INR 2,200 (USD 25) for an e-visa processed in 3-5 working days, with expedited service available in 4-8 hours for those requiring urgent travel.
Thailand permits visa-free entry for 60 days, after which a tourist visa costs INR 2,500 with 5-10 working days processing.
Nepal offers incredibly affordable tourist visas ranging from INR 2,700-11,000 depending on validity period, with 15-day processing time.
Cambodia remains one of the cheapest options globally at INR 2,700-3,100 with same-day to 3-day processing through both e-visa and visa-on-arrival options.
Mid-Range Destinations (INR 5,000 – 10,000)
UAE/Dubai charges INR 7,000-13,000 for a tourist visa with 3-4 working days standard processing, though express services deliver visas within 24 hours.
Schengen countries typically range from INR 7,200-8,272, with the standard processing time of 15-30 days after appointment.
Germany specifically charges INR 7,200-9,300 but faces significant backlogs with 4-6 months appointment waits, though actual processing takes only 15 days.
Australia costs INR 8,500 with processing times between 8-30 days; the eTA option provides even faster approval.
Spain and Italy both charge approximately INR 8,021 for Schengen visas, but with different processing times. Spain processes applications in 15 working days, while Italy typically requires 2-3 months due to high tourist volumes.
Premium Destinations (INR 10,000+)
The USA represents the most expensive option at INR 13,200 with the longest processing times globally. Average wait times stretch from 12-29 months due to over 10 million annual applications, mandatory interviews, and significant post-pandemic backlogs. Applicants should apply at least 12 months in advance and demonstrate strong proof of return intent through stable employment or property ownership.
UK costs INR 10,300 with 3-week standard processing, though appointment waits add significant time; priority service options are available for faster turnaround.
Canada charges INR 11,500 with 18-31 calendar days average processing after biometrics submission, though many applicants report 60-100 day waits during peak seasons.
Schengen Region Special Considerations
European Schengen visas are valid across 29 countries within a 90-day, 180-day period but face varying appointment wait times depending on the country of application.
France experiences 3-4 month total wait times despite fast 15-day actual processing, with 6-10 week appointment delays at Paris VFS centers during summer peaks.
Netherlands has massive backlogs averaging 6-8 month appointment waits, particularly for applicants from Asia and Africa, though processing after appointment takes only 15-45 days.
Poland offers standard Schengen rates of INR 8,272 with 15-day processing, making it relatively efficient compared to other Schengen options.
Processing Time Summary
Fastest Processing: Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand offer same-day to 5-day processing for most applications.
Standard Processing: Most Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern visas process in 3-10 working days.
Moderate Processing: Australia, UK, and Canada range from 3-5 weeks after required biometrics and appointment scheduling.
Extended Processing: European Schengen visas show 4-6 month appointment waits, though actual processing is quick. The USA remains an outlier with 12-29 month average wait times.
Key Factors Affecting Processing Times
Seasonal Variations significantly impact processing. Peak travel seasons (April-June, October-December) extend wait times across most destinations. Appointment Availability in major cities like London, Paris, and Amsterdam fills within minutes during peak periods, particularly affecting European Schengen visas. Document Completeness directly influences processing speed; incomplete or unclear applications cause delays of weeks to months. Embassy Workload varies by location, with Asian and African applicants facing longer queues at Western embassies. Additional Requirements such as interviews, biometrics, or background checks can add significant time, particularly for USA applications.
Recommendations for Application Planning
Apply 3-6 months in advance for European visas to accommodate potential delays. For USA visas, begin the process at least 12 months before intended travel. Southeast Asian visas can be processed within 2-3 weeks if expedited services are utilized. Always submit complete, accurate documents on the first application attempt to avoid rejection or significant delays. Consider visa agencies or service providers for streamlined processing, though this adds service fees to your total costs
