Tourist visa costs for Indians in 2026: What travellers should know
Planning an international trip often begins with checking visa requirements—and for Indian travellers, the cost of obtaining a tourist visa can vary widely depending on the destination. In 2026, visa fees across popular countries range from highly affordable e-visas in Asia to significantly higher costs for long-haul destinations.
Visa Fees Across Popular Destinations
Here’s a breakdown of tourist visa costs for Indians across some of the most visited countries.
Long-haul and high-cost destinations include the USA (B1/B2 Tourist Visa) at ₹13,200 plus ₹1,500 biometrics, totalling ₹14,700 ($185).
Canada at ₹11,500 plus ₹4,000 biometrics, totalling ₹15,500 (base fee $100 CAD plus mandatory biometrics); Australia (Visitor Subclass 600) at ₹13,500 (AUD 200).
The United Kingdom (short-term, up to 6 months) at ₹16,196 (£115); and New Zealand at ₹22,000–₹26,000 (approx. NZD 211 plus VFS charges).
In Europe and other regions, the Schengen Visa (Europe) costs ₹9,100 (€90 for adults) plus VFS charges.
Japan's e-visa costs ₹500 (one of the most affordable options); and South Korea has a ₹3,200 base fee, but total costs can reach ₹7,999 or more with service and processing charges.
Among popular Asian destinations, Singapore (E-visa) costs ₹2,500–₹3,000; Thailand (Visa on Arrival) costs ₹4,200; Indonesia (Visa on Arrival) costs USD 35 (₹2,930); Malaysia (E-visa) costs ₹2,500; Sri Lanka (ETA) costs USD 20–25 (₹1,600–₹2,000); and Vietnam (E-visa) costs ₹2,500–₹3,000 (standard fee $35 USD).
In the Middle East, Dubai (UAE – 30-day tourist visa) costs ₹5,850–₹6,750. Costs may vary depending on express processing or long-term multi-entry options.
Key Changes Travellers Should Be Aware Of in 2026
Several updates and cost-related changes are shaping visa applications this year.
The USA's “Integrity Fee” introduces a mandatory $250 fee added to most non-immigrant visas, significantly increasing the overall cost and effectively tripling what Indian applicants paid in 2024–25.
Priority processing costs can substantially raise expenses, and in some cases, these services can triple the total visa cost.
Biometrics and medical charges are now required by many countries, with separate payments for biometric data submission and medical examinations (where applicable), all of which are mandatory and add to the base visa fee.
What This Means for Travellers
While some destinations continue to offer low-cost and convenient e-visas, others—particularly long-haul countries—have seen rising costs due to added fees and processing requirements.
Travellers should factor in not just the base visa fee but also additional charges such as biometrics, service fees, and optional priority processing.
One crucial point to remember is that most visa fees are non-refundable, even if the application is rejected. This makes it essential to ensure that all documents and eligibility requirements are carefully met before applying.
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