What are the most expensive countries for official documents like passports and visas?
It’s no secret that obtaining identification and travel documents can be costly. Whether you’re organising your international health insurance, purchasing a new passport, working towards your driving licence or filling out a visa form, it’s important to know how much you could be spending.
By taking a look at visa, passport and driving licence fees across the world, we’ll explore which documents are the most expensive to obtain, as well as which countries' passports provide us with the most mobility.
Tourist visas can be used for various reasons, such as holidays, visiting family or friends, volunteer work or medical procedures. All figures are taken as an average for each country-to-country tourist visa cost and are rounded to the nearest US$, £ or €.
Tourist visas can be used for various reasons, such as holidays, visiting family or friends, volunteer work or medical procedures. All figures are taken as an average for each country-to-country tourist visa cost and are rounded to the nearest US$, £ or €.
Average tourist visa fee:
The country charging the most for a tourist visa is the United States, with an average fee of US$127.
As well as the standard requirements for tourist visas, you may also be asked about the purpose of your trip, evidence of employment/family ties, and your ability to cover the costs of your trip.
Average tourist visa fee:
The country with the second highest price for a tourist visa is New Zealand, with an average fee of US$106.
New Zealand tourist visas allow you to include your partner and dependent children (aged 19 and under) in the same visa application.
Average tourist visa fee:
The country with the third highest tourist visa costs is Australia, with an average fee of US$90.
If you are applying for an Australian tourist visa, you must pass the country’s character requirements. These mainly revolve around whether you have a criminal background, particularly in offences relating to domestic violence, people smuggling/trafficking and harassment.
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As values have been rounded to the nearest whole number, decimal places have been eliminated which lead to multiple countries receiving the same ranking score.
Average tourist visa fee:
The country charging the least for a tourist visa is South Korea, with an average fee of US$3.
In order to obtain a South Korean tourist visa, you must submit a valid passport, a completed visa application, a recent passport photo and a self-addressed stamped special delivery envelope (you can specify that you would like to collect your passport in person).
Average tourist visa fee:
The country with the second lowest tourist visa costs is Turkey, with an average fee of US$13.
There are 91 countries which are exempt from requiring a visa to enter Turkey, including the United Kingdom, Brazil and Morocco. However, depending on which country the tourist is visiting from, you are only allowed between 30-90 days per visit.
Average tourist visa fee:
The country with the third-cheapest tourist visa is Israel, with an average fee of US$15.
If you are visiting Israel for a holiday, then alongside your visa application you should also submit proof of hotel reservation, an invitation letter (if you are visiting a friend or relative), and work leave approval.
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As values have been rounded to the nearest whole number, decimal places have been eliminated which lead to multiple countries receiving the same ranking score.
Student visas allow you to enter a specific country with the intent to study at an accredited educational facility. All figures are taken as an average for each country-to-country student visa cost and are rounded to the nearest US$, £ or €.
Student visas allow you to enter a specific country with the intent to study at an accredited educational facility. All figures are taken as an average for each country-to-country student visa cost and are rounded to the nearest US$, £ or €.
Average student visa fee:
The country charging the most for a student visa is Australia, with an average fee of US$452.
Australian student visas allow you to live, work and study in the country for a maximum of five years, in line with your chosen course. During this time, you are allowed to work for a maximum of 40 hours per fortnight during term time, and unlimited hours outside of term time.
Average student visa fee:
The country with the second most expensive student visa is the United States, with an average fee of US$159.
The type of school you will be attending and your course of study will determine whether you need an F visa (university or college, high school, private elementary school, seminary, conservatory and another academic institution, including a language training program) or an M visa (vocational or other recognised nonacademic institution, other than a language training program).
Average student visa fee:
The country with the third highest student visa costs is Chile, with an average fee of US$85.
You must provide the following documents in order to apply for a Chilean student visa: photocopies of your passport’s relevant pages; a picture of yourself; completed visa application form; letter of enrollment or confirmation from your educational institution; police clearance from your country of residence; a health certificate; proof of sufficient financial status; and proof of legal status in your country of residence.
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Average student visa fee:
The country charging the least for a student visa is Mexico, with an average fee of US$36.
One of the additional documents that you must provide when applying for a student visa in Mexico is an original and a photocopy of the letter of acceptance from the institution at which you will be studying. This must include your full name, the level, degree and area of study, course name, start and end dates, cost of school fees and contact information for the institution.
Average student visa fee:
The country with the second least expensive student visa is South Korea, with an average fee of US$43.
All international students intending to complete a degree in South Korea must obtain a D-2 visa before the beginning of their semester. Once the application is accepted, the undergraduate student will then receive a D-2-2 visa.
Average student visa fee:
The country with the third cheapest student visa is Israel, with an average fee of US$47.
Those wishing to study in Israel will receive an A2 visa, which allows them to leave Israel for a vacation and return without requiring a new visa to be administered.
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Work visas are issued to those who wish to work within a particular country for a certain length of time, without permanently residing there. All figures are taken as an average for each country-to-country work visa cost and are rounded to the nearest US$, £ or €.
Work visas are issued to those who wish to work within a particular country for a certain length of time, without permanently residing there. All figures are taken as an average for each country-to-country work visa cost and are rounded to the nearest US$, £ or €.
Average work visa fee:
The country charging the most for a work visa is Colombia, with an average fee of US$297.
If you wish to work in Colombia, you must receive a TP-4 visa, which serves as an entry visa, as well as a work permit. Initially, these visas are valid for up to three years, during which they can be renewed indefinitely.
Average work visa fee:
The country with the second most expensive work visa is Mexico, with an average fee of US$246.
In order to enter Mexico with the intent to work, you must receive a temporary resident visa with a work permit. However, individuals cannot apply for these directly. Only employers registered with the National Migration Institute can apply for a work visa.
Average work visa fee:
The country with the third highest average work visa fee is Australia, with an average fee of US$226.
There are eight different types of Australian work visas: temporary skill shortage visa; employer nomination scheme visa; skilled employer-sponsored regional visa; designated area migration agreement visa; working holiday visa; training visa; work and holiday visa; and temporary work visa.
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Average work visa fee:
The country charging the least for a work visa is Israel, with an average fee of US$47.
Internationals wishing to work in Israel for up to 30 days can obtain a B/1 work visa. In order to work in Israel for longer than 30 days, you will also need to obtain a work permit. You can apply for both of these at the same time.
Average work visa fee:
The country with the second lowest priced work visa is Switzerland, with an average fee of US$55.
You are able to fly to Switzerland and look for work for up to six months. For the first three months, no visa is required. After the three-month period, you are able to obtain a short-term residence permit. This is valid for three months per year, providing that you have the necessary financials to support yourself.
Average work visa fee:
The country with the third least expensive work visa is Spain, with an average fee of US$57.
Before applying for a work visa in Spain, you must have received an official job offer. Your employer can then request a permit that allows you to legally work in Spain.
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All figures are based on a standard adult passport and are rounded to the nearest US$, £ or €. Fees can be significantly higher abroad at consulates or embassies.
All figures are based on a standard adult passport and are rounded to the nearest US$, £ or €. Fees can be significantly higher abroad at consulates or embassies.
Passport fee:
The country charging the most for a passport is Australia, with citizens paying around US$230.
A standard adult Australian passport is valid for 10 years.
Passport fee:
The country with the second highest passport fee is Mexico, with citizens paying around US$170.
A standard adult Mexican passport is also valid for 10 years.
Passport fee:
The country with the third highest fee for a passport is Switzerland, with citizens paying around US$140.
A standard adult Swiss passport is also valid for 10 years.
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As values have been rounded to the nearest whole number, decimal places have been eliminated which lead to multiple countries receiving the same ranking score.
Passport fee:
The country charging the least for a passport is the Czech Republic, with citizens paying around US$27.
A standard adult Czech passport is valid for 10 years.
Passport fee:
The country with the second lowest passport fee is Latvia, with citizens paying around US$29.
A standard adult Latvian passport is also valid for 10 years.
Passport fee:
The country with the third lowest passport fee is Spain, with citizens paying around US$33.
A standard adult Spanish passport is also valid for 10 years.
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As values have been rounded to the nearest whole number, decimal places have been eliminated which lead to multiple countries receiving the same ranking score.
The passport index score is based on how mobile a country’s passport is. The mobility of a passport is determined by the following factors: how many countries it has visa-free access to, how many countries it can access by showing a visa upon arrival and how many countries it can access by providing a visa in any other circumstance.
The passport index score is based on how mobile a country’s passport is. The mobility of a passport is determined by the following factors: how many countries it has visa-free access to, how many countries it can access by showing a visa upon arrival and how many countries it can access by providing a visa in any other circumstance.
A total of 11 countries came joint-first with the highest passport index score of 174. The winners included Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, Austria, Netherlands, Switzerland and South Korea. These countries all have visa-free access to between 122-129 other countries, require a visa upon arrival to between 45-52 countries and require a visa in any other circumstance to 24 countries.
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As values have been rounded to the nearest whole number, decimal places have been eliminated which lead to multiple countries receiving the same ranking score.
Passport index score
The country with the least mobile passport is Turkey, with a passport index score of 124.
People with a Turkish passport have visa-free access to 74 countries, require a visa on arrival to 50 countries and require a visa in any other circumstance in 74 countries.
Passport index score
The country with the second lowest passport index score is Colombia, with a score of 139.
People with a Colombian passport have visa-free access to 85 countries, require a visa on arrival to 54 countries and require a visa in any other circumstance in 59 countries.
Passport index score
The country with the third lowest-scoring passport is Costa Rica, with a passport index score of 142.
People with a Costa Rican passport have visa-free access to 95 countries, require a visa on arrival to 54 countries and require a visa in any other circumstance in 56 countries.
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As values have been rounded to the nearest whole number, decimal places have been eliminated which lead to multiple countries receiving the same ranking score.
All figures are rounded to the nearest US$, £ or € and refer to the cost to issue a physical driving licence. This doesn't include the cost of other procedures, such as driving lessons, medical tests, theory tests or physical driving tests. The fees for some countries, such as the United States, are taken as an average across different states/jurisdictions. No data was available for Denmark, Estonia, France or Greece.
All figures are rounded to the nearest US$, £ or € and refer to the cost to issue a physical driving licence. This doesn't include the cost of other procedures, such as driving lessons, medical tests, theory tests or physical driving tests. The fees for some countries, such as the United States, are taken as an average across different states/jurisdictions. No data was available for Denmark, Estonia, France or Greece.
Average driving licence fee:
The country charging the most for a driving licence is Turkey, with an average fee of US$375.
In Turkey, you must be at least 18 years old in order to drive a car and your licence is valid for 10 years.
Average driving licence fee:
The country with the third most costly driving licence is Australia, with an average fee of US$104.
In Germany, you can obtain a driving licence for a car with a legal guardian from the age of 17 and an unrestricted licence from the age of 18. Your licence is valid for 15 years.
Average driving licence fee:
The country with the third highest fee for a passport is Switzerland, with citizens paying around US$140.
In Australia, the minimum age for a full open licence varies between 18 years 6 months and 22 years, depending on the jurisdiction in which the driver lives. Licences can be valid for between one year and 10 years.
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As values have been rounded to the nearest whole number, decimal places have been eliminated which lead to multiple countries receiving the same ranking score.
Average driving licence fee:
The country charging the least for a driving licence is Chile, with an average fee of just US$0.06.
In their local currency - Chilean Pesos - citizens pay around CLPUS$50. In Chile, you must be at least 18 years old in order to drive a car.
Average driving licence fee:
The country with the second least expensive driving licence is Colombia, with an average fee of US$2.85.
In their local currency - Colombian Pesos - citizens pay around COLUS$13,350 on average. In Colombia, you must be at least 18 years old to have a professional licence. A driving licence is valid for 10 years for those up to the age of 60, and for three years for those over the age of 60.
Average driving licence fee:
Korea also has the second lowest average fee for a driving licence, at US$2.85.
In their local currency - Korean Won - citizens pay around ₩3,500 on average. In Korea, you must be at least 18 years old to drive a car.
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As values have been rounded to the nearest whole number, decimal places have been eliminated which lead to multiple countries receiving the same ranking score.
Methodology
