If you’re considering international travel, take note: Australia has emerged as the country with the highest visa fees, according to a study by expat insurance portal William Russell.
Australia, known as ‘The Great Southern Land’, leads the list, closely followed by global heavyweights such as the US, the UK, and Japan, securing the second, third, and fourth positions, respectively.
India and others: Countries with the highest visa fees
Key factors such as expat population, visa data, required vaccines, and language proficiency tests were analysed by William Russell to identify countries with the most challenging immigration processes.
India, with its low expat population (0.4 per cent), is deemed one of the most difficult countries to immigrate to, with an Employment visa cost of GBP 427 (approximately SGD 729).
Australia tops the list with its Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482), commanding a hefty AUD 3,035 (approximately SGD 2,684). Additional expenses such as English language tests, health checks, and police certificates contribute to the overall cost.
The United States follows closely, with its general H-1B visa priced at USD 1,717 (approximately SGD 2,299), while the United Kingdom ranks third with its Skilled Worker visa costing GBP 1,343 (approximately SGD 2,295).
Further insights from the study reveal that India requires the highest number of vaccines, while Canada has the longest visa waiting time, averaging around 41 weeks.
For more detailed findings from the research, click here.
(Feature image credit: Godwin Angeline Benjo/Unsplash)
All currency conversions were done at the time of writing.
This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Singapore
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which country’s visa is the cheapest?
Visa fees vary depending on nationality and country of residence. However, some popular visa-free destinations for Indians include Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Which country’s visa is easy to get?
According to Visa Guide, countries such as Estonia, Iceland, Luxembourg, and Germany are known for having relatively straightforward work visa processes.
What is the most expensive passport fee in the world?
Reports indicate that Liechtenstein has the most expensive passport globally, priced at USD 444 (approximately SGD 594) for a 10-year document.
Why is the Indian visa expensive?
Several factors contribute to the high cost of Indian visas, including government revenue, border security measures, tourist services, and visa fees charged by other countries.
Most Popular
A journalist, Pyusha has previously worked with media organisations including The New Indian Express and Hindustan Times. A solo traveller by choice, she loves exploring life more than anything else, after food of course. When she isn't gardening, writing, reading, cooking or singing out loud, you can spot her watching films and series, debating with friends or organising things unnecessarily.
You might also like
2024 Paris Olympics: Torch relay route map and key stops
Doha’s Hamad International Airport has dethroned Changi Airport as the world’s best
Schengen-style visa for Southeast Asia? Thailand favours joint visa across 6 nations
