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Indian travellers planning international trips may need to set aside more money for visa applications this year, as several countries have increased processing fees while appointment delays continue to stretch travel timelines.
The United States has introduced an additional $250 ‘Visa Integrity Fee’ across multiple non-immigrant categories, including tourist, student and work visas, according to Shikhar Aggarwal, Joint Managing Director at BLS International, which operates visa application centres for various embassies.
Similar fee adjustments are being issued periodically by other governments.
Work and petition-based visas remain costlier than tourist or student visas, owing to higher scrutiny and documentation requirements.
No hidden charges—but optional add-ons come at a price
Government fee structures remain publicly available on embassy websites, and there are no undisclosed compulsory charges, Aggarwal clarified.
However, applicants may be offered paid conveniences such as document pick-up, courier returns or premium lounge access, which are voluntary and do not accelerate approval.
Importantly, no official fast-track or express visa processing service is offered in most cases—meaning travellers cannot buy their way into priority approvals, irrespective of urgency.
Digital payments have become the default
A growing majority of applicants now pay visa fees online at the time of appointment booking, with walk-in payments now limited to a small group, Aggarwal said.
Processing delays now a financial variable
The bigger cost risk may lie not in the fee itself but in uncertain timelines. Schengen visas can take up to four to six months, Aggarwal noted.
For students and business travellers, delays can spill over into higher airfares, rescheduling penalties and accommodation losses.
“Applying early is now as important as booking flights in advance,” Aggarwal suggested, urging applicants to treat visa timelines as a core part of financial planning rather than as a last-mile task.
Tips for travellers
ALSO READ | Festive season travel booms across India as Diwali approaches
The United States has introduced an additional $250 ‘Visa Integrity Fee’ across multiple non-immigrant categories, including tourist, student and work visas, according to Shikhar Aggarwal, Joint Managing Director at BLS International, which operates visa application centres for various embassies.
Similar fee adjustments are being issued periodically by other governments.
Work and petition-based visas remain costlier than tourist or student visas, owing to higher scrutiny and documentation requirements.
No hidden charges—but optional add-ons come at a price
Government fee structures remain publicly available on embassy websites, and there are no undisclosed compulsory charges, Aggarwal clarified.
However, applicants may be offered paid conveniences such as document pick-up, courier returns or premium lounge access, which are voluntary and do not accelerate approval.
Importantly, no official fast-track or express visa processing service is offered in most cases—meaning travellers cannot buy their way into priority approvals, irrespective of urgency.
Digital payments have become the default
A growing majority of applicants now pay visa fees online at the time of appointment booking, with walk-in payments now limited to a small group, Aggarwal said.
Processing delays now a financial variable
The bigger cost risk may lie not in the fee itself but in uncertain timelines. Schengen visas can take up to four to six months, Aggarwal noted.
For students and business travellers, delays can spill over into higher airfares, rescheduling penalties and accommodation losses.
“Applying early is now as important as booking flights in advance,” Aggarwal suggested, urging applicants to treat visa timelines as a core part of financial planning rather than as a last-mile task.
Tips for travellers
- Start early: Submit visa applications at least 3-6 months ahead for destinations with longer processing times.
- Budget beyond fees: Include potential flight changes, accommodation flexibility, and document courier costs in your travel budget.
- Use digital payments: Paying online reduces the chance of errors, saves time, and helps track expenses efficiently.
- Check embassy updates regularly: Visa fees and required documents can change periodically; official websites are the most reliable source.
- Plan optional services wisely: Use add-on services like document pick-up or courier returns only if they add real convenience, not as a shortcut for faster approval.
- Factor in delays: For last-minute business trips or academic plans, consider buffer time for visa approvals to avoid financial stress.
ALSO READ | Festive season travel booms across India as Diwali approaches
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