Visa Fees for Indian Travelers: A Comprehensive Guide

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Posted on | by pritesh

Traveling abroad as an Indian citizen involves navigating the complex landscape of visa requirements and associated fees. Visa fees for Indian passport holders vary significantly based on the destination country, visa type (tourist, business, student, etc.), duration, and entry type (single or multiple). As of 2025, Indian citizens have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 58 countries, ranking the Indian passport 79th globally according to the Henley Passport Index. This guide provides a detailed overview of visa fees for Indian travelers across key destinations, recent updates, and tips for cost-effective travel planning.

Understanding Visa Fee Structures

Visa fees for Indian travelers depend on several factors:

  • Diplomatic Relations: Countries with strong bilateral ties with India may offer lower or gratis (free) visas. For example, nations like Nepal, Bhutan, and Maldives provide visa-free access or gratis visas.
  • Visa Type: Fees differ for tourist, business, student, medical, or transit visas. Multiple-entry visas are generally more expensive than single-entry ones.
  • Visa Duration: Longer-term visas, such as work or study visas, typically cost more than short-term tourist visas.
  • Application Method: Electronic visas (e-Visas) are often cheaper and faster to process than traditional paper visas, which may involve additional service fees.
  • Reciprocity: Some countries impose higher fees on Indian travelers due to reciprocal arrangements, reflecting fees charged to their citizens by India.

In 2024, India reinstated and expanded its e-Visa system, making it easier for Indian travelers to apply online for certain countries, reducing paperwork and processing times. However, fees can range from $10 for visa-on-arrival in some countries to over $1,000 for specific transit or long-term visas (e.g., El Salvador’s $1,000 transit visa introduced in 2023).

Visa-Free and Visa-on-Arrival Countries for Indian Travelers

As of 2025, Indian passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 58 countries, simplifying travel to these destinations. Below are some examples with associated fees, where applicable:

  • Nepal: Visa-free for Indian citizens. No visa fees are required, making it an affordable destination.
  • Bhutan: Visa-free for Indian citizens, though a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of approximately $15 per day may apply for certain activities.
  • Maldives: Visa-free for stays up to 90 days. No visa fees.
  • Thailand: Visa-free for up to 60 days (extendable by 30 days) until December 31, 2026.
  • Sri Lanka: Visa-free for stays up to 30 days from October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025. Otherwise, an e-Visa costs approximately $50.
  • Malaysia: Visa-free for 30 days until December 31, 2026.
  • Mauritius: Gratis visa (no fee) for all visa types.
  • China (Hainan): Visa-on-arrival for 15 days costs approximately $30, available at Haikou Meilan or Sanya Phoenix International Airports.

For visa-on-arrival countries like Thailand or Sri Lanka (outside the visa-free period), fees are collected at the port of entry, typically ranging from $20 to $60, depending on the country and stay duration.

Visa Fees for Popular Destinations

Below is a detailed breakdown of visa fees for some of the most popular destinations for Indian travelers, based on 2025 data:

1. United States

  • Tourist/Business Visa (B1/B2): $185 for a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 10 years. The fee increased in 2024 due to revised structures.
  • Student Visa (F1): $185, plus a SEVIS fee of $350 for first-time applicants.
  • Work Visa (H1-B): $205, with additional employer-sponsored fees ranging from $500 to $4,000.
  • Processing Time: 2–3 weeks for regular applications; expedited services may incur extra costs.
  • Note: Applicants must schedule an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate, and biometric data is mandatory.

2. United Kingdom

  • Standard Visitor Visa: £115 (~$150) for up to 6 months. Multiple-entry visas valid for 2, 5, or 10 years cost £417, £752, and £1,051, respectively.
  • Work/Study Visas: Fees range from £298 to £1,500, depending on the visa type and duration.
  • Visa Transfer Fee: $167 for transferring a visa to a new passport.
  • Processing Time: 3–8 weeks for regular visas; priority services cost an additional £500–£1,000.

3. Schengen Area (26 European Countries)

  • Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C): €80 ($85) for adults, €40 ($42) for children aged 6–12, and free for children under 6. Multiple-entry visas for frequent travelers cost the same but require justification.
  • Long-Stay Visas (Work/Study): €90–€180, depending on the country and purpose.
  • Insurance Requirement: Travel insurance covering at least €30,000 in medical expenses is mandatory.
  • Processing Time: 15–45 days. Applications must be submitted to the consulate of the primary destination country.
  • Note: Passports must be less than 10 years old, and applicants need to provide proof of accommodation, itinerary, and financial means.

4. Canada

  • Visitor Visa: CAD 100 (~$75) for a single-entry or multiple-entry visa valid for up to 10 years.
  • Study Permit: CAD 150 (~$110).
  • Work Permit: CAD 155 (~$115), with additional fees for open work permits.
  • Processing Time: 2–6 weeks for visitor visas; longer for study or work permits.
  • Note: Biometric fees of CAD 85 (~$63) apply for most applicants.

5. Australia

  • Visitor Visa (Subclass 600): AUD 190 (~$125) for a single-entry visa valid for 3, 6, or 12 months.
  • Student Visa (Subclass 500): AUD 710 (~$470).
  • Work Visa: AUD 325–$4,000, depending on the visa subclass.
  • Processing Time: 20–90 days, depending on the visa type.
  • Note: Special authorization is required for travel to Ashmore and Cartier Islands.

6. United Arab Emirates

  • Tourist Visa (30 days): $90–$100 for a single-entry e-Visa.
  • Multiple-Entry Visa (90 days): $175–$200.
  • Processing Time: 3–5 days for e-Visas.
  • Note: UAE offers visa-on-arrival for Indian citizens with a valid U.S., U.K., or Schengen visa, costing approximately $50.

7. Singapore

  • Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry, up to 6 months): $25 for Singapore nationals, but Indian citizens pay approximately $30 due to service fees.
  • Processing Time: 3–5 working days.
  • Note: Applications are typically processed through authorized agents, with additional service charges of $10–$20.

8. Russia

  • Tourist Visa: $40–$80 for single-entry; $80–$160 for multiple-entry.
  • Visa Transfer Fee: $40.
  • Processing Time: 7–20 days.
  • Note: Visa-free access for 3 days to Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park with an electronic pass, or 10 days to Brest and Grodno.

e-Visa Systems and Costs

The Indian government’s reinstatement of the e-Visa system in 2024 has streamlined applications for many countries. Indian travelers can apply for e-Visas to over 60 countries, with fees typically lower than traditional visas. Examples include:

  • India (for reference): e-Tourist Visa (30 days) costs $10–$25, e-Business Visa $80–$100, and e-Medical Visa $80–$100, depending on the applicant’s country. A 2.5% bank transaction fee applies.
  • Turkey: e-Visa costs $20–$60, valid for 30–90 days.
  • Vietnam: e-Visa costs $25 for a single-entry, 30-day visa.
  • Processing Time: Most e-Visas are processed within 72 hours, but applicants should apply at least 4 days before travel.
  • Payment: Secure online payments via credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, UnionPay) are accepted.

Special Considerations and Fees

  • Transit Visas: Some countries, like El Salvador, charge high transit visa fees ($1,000 as of 2023) for Indian nationals, even for brief layovers. Always check transit requirements.
  • Gratis Visas: Countries like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Mauritius, and Uruguay offer gratis visas to Indian citizens for most visa types.
  • Restricted Areas: Certain regions (e.g., Mount Athos in Greece, North Korea outside Pyongyang) require special permits with additional fees ($20–$35).
  • Yellow Fever Vaccination: Travelers to or from Yellow Fever-affected countries must carry a vaccination card, or face quarantine in some destinations.
  • Reciprocity Issues: Countries like Iran revoked visa-on-arrival for Indian citizens in 2015 due to India’s restrictive visa policies for certain nations.

Tips for Indian Travelers

  1. Plan Ahead: Apply for visas at least 15–30 days in advance, especially for Schengen, U.S., or U.K. visas, to account for processing delays.
  2. Check e-Visa Eligibility: Opt for e-Visas where available to save time and money. Verify payment status after 2 hours to avoid reapplying.
  3. Budget for Additional Fees: Factor in service fees, biometric charges, or insurance costs (e.g., €30,000 coverage for Schengen visas).
  4. Verify Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months and has two blank pages.
  5. Use Official Portals: Apply through trusted websites like indianvisaonline.gov.in for e-Visas to avoid scams.
  6. Monitor Visa-Free Updates: Countries like Thailand and Malaysia have extended visa-free access until 2026, so check for similar updates.

Conclusion

Visa fees for Indian travelers in 2025 vary widely, from free access in countries like Nepal and Maldives to high-cost visas for destinations like the U.S. or Schengen Area. Understanding these costs, along with visa types, processing times, and additional requirements, is crucial for seamless travel planning. By leveraging e-Visa systems, checking for gratis or visa-free options, and preparing necessary documentation, Indian travelers can minimize costs and hassles. Always consult official government websites or embassies for the latest fee structures and requirements to ensure a smooth journey.