Even if you’ve memorized airport codes and mastered packing cubes, these visa fees still sneak up on you.
Planning an international trip takes time, energy, and often a spreadsheet or two. You map your route, hunt for deals, maybe even memorize currency exchange rates. But even the most seasoned travelers sometimes get caught off guard by something simple—visa fees. Not the obvious ones, either. We’re talking about the small print, unexpected charges, and extra hoops that cost way more than you thought they would. These aren’t just line items—they’re the kind of expenses that show up at the worst moment and mess with your budget.
Some countries charge you just to set foot in the airport. Others add “processing fees” or reciprocity charges that feel like surprise toll booths for your passport. A few even require cash-only payments on arrival, which is a real headache if you show up empty-handed. If you’ve ever thought, “Wait, I didn’t see that listed anywhere,” you’re not alone. These 13 overlooked visa fees have blindsided even the most experienced travelers—and knowing about them ahead of time might save you a whole lot of frustration (and a chunk of your travel fund).
1. Argentina’s reciprocity fee catches many Americans at the airport.
If you’re an American flying into Argentina, there’s a good chance you’ll be hit with a reciprocity fee before even stepping outside the terminal, according to the authors at iVisa. This isn’t technically a visa—it’s more of a tit-for-tat charge in response to the U.S. imposing similar fees on Argentine travelers. It’s easy to overlook because it isn’t collected at a consulate—it’s done online before your trip or sometimes required on arrival.
The fee can vary, and policies change, but when it’s in effect, it’s steep and non-negotiable. If you show up unprepared, you may be denied entry or asked to scramble for payment info after a long flight. It’s one of those fees you won’t see on your airline ticket or in your hotel confirmation, but it’ll sting just the same if you forget to factor it in.
2. Australia’s ETA system has a hidden service fee that adds up fast.
Australia requires most travelers to apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or eVisitor visa, as reported by the authors at Entrytrip. While it sounds straightforward—and even cheap—the process often involves an unexpected “service” fee tacked on by third-party processing apps. The official government fee may be low, but the total cost can quickly climb depending on how and where you apply.
Many people unknowingly go through unofficial channels that charge more than double the actual visa fee. Since there’s no physical visa or sticker, it feels like it should be simple, but that illusion can cost you. Always double-check you’re on the official Australian immigration site before applying, or you might end up paying more than you needed to for a digital stamp.
3. Cambodia requires cash-only visa payments on arrival.
Getting a tourist visa for Cambodia is relatively easy—you can grab one right when you land. But here’s the catch: they want cash. And not just any cash. You’ll need U.S. dollars, crisp bills, and the exact amount. If you assumed you’d swipe a card or get by with local currency, you’re in for a headache at the immigration counter, as stated by the authors at the Embassy of Cambodia.
ATMs before the visa checkpoint are rare, and officials often refuse torn or marked bills. This surprise can throw your whole arrival into chaos, especially after a long-haul flight. It’s a small fee by global standards, but if you don’t have the right currency in your pocket, it becomes a major hassle at the worst time.
4. Egypt’s visa fee includes a “sticker tax” most travelers don’t know about.
Egypt allows many nationalities to get a visa on arrival, but what they don’t mention until you’re standing in line is the cost of the visa sticker itself. The visa price may be advertised as a flat fee, but that sticker—yes, literally the paper that goes in your passport—often has a separate, additional charge.
You usually have to buy the sticker at a specific counter before lining up for immigration. If you miss this step or don’t have the right change, you’ll be redirected and possibly delayed. It’s a minor cost, but one that’s awkwardly placed and easy to overlook if you’re arriving late or rushing to connect to a domestic flight.
5. Kenya’s e-visa system tacks on a sneaky processing fee.
Kenya switched to an e-visa system, which is convenient on paper—until you realize that applying comes with an unexpected processing surcharge. The base visa fee is clear, but once you reach the payment screen, there’s an added percentage-based “convenience” fee that feels like a surprise service tax.
It’s not outrageous, but it adds up—especially if you’re traveling with a group. The frustration comes mostly from the fact that it’s not mentioned until you’re deep into the application process. So even if you’ve budgeted for the trip, this little extra can throw off your numbers at the last second.
6. Tanzania has two tiers of visa fees depending on your passport.
Not all travelers are treated equally in Tanzania’s visa system. U.S. citizens, for example, pay a significantly higher fee for a multiple-entry visa—even if they’re only staying a few days. Meanwhile, travelers from other countries may get by with a cheaper single-entry visa, depending on current agreements and reciprocity rules.
This pricing discrepancy often isn’t clear until you’re already at the airport or filling out the online form. It feels arbitrary and unfair, but there’s not much you can do about it. It’s just one of those administrative curveballs you have to know about in advance to avoid sticker shock.
7. Vietnam’s visa-on-arrival letter comes with an unlisted approval fee.
To get a visa-on-arrival for Vietnam, you need a pre-approval letter, which sounds simple enough. But here’s the twist: most travelers assume the letter itself is the total cost. In reality, there’s a second fee waiting for you at the airport when you actually pick up the visa.
You’ll need to pay that second fee in cash—usually in U.S. dollars—and if you didn’t realize it was separate, the surprise at the counter is both confusing and frustrating. Many travelers get caught by this two-step payment process, and it can feel like a bait-and-switch if you didn’t read the fine print carefully.
8. Brazil’s tourist visa reinstatement came with a steep entry fee.
For a while, Brazil waived visa requirements for many nationalities, including Americans. But when the policy changed again, many travelers didn’t realize that the new visa came with a hefty fee. The cost isn’t just high—it’s nonrefundable, even if your plans change or you get denied.
Plus, the application process is a bit clunky and requires detailed documentation. It’s not something you can wing last minute. So even though Brazil is welcoming and popular, the surprise cost and paperwork can take the edge off your excitement if you didn’t plan ahead.
9. Turkey’s e-visa site has lookalikes that charge way more.
Turkey’s official e-visa website is easy to use and fairly priced. The problem? Dozens of nearly identical-looking third-party sites that charge double or triple the official fee. Many travelers land on these lookalikes through search engines and don’t realize they’ve overpaid until it’s too late.
The sites are legit in that you’ll still get a valid visa—but you’re essentially paying a middleman for something you could’ve done yourself. It’s a classic trap for travelers rushing through the booking process. Bookmark the real site and save yourself the markup.
10. Indonesia’s new visa-on-arrival program has an extension fee catch.
Indonesia introduced a digital visa-on-arrival option, which is super handy for short visits. But if you want to extend your stay beyond 30 days, you’ll need to pay a hefty extension fee—and in many cases, go through an agent or visit an immigration office in person.
This isn’t always clearly communicated when you first apply, and travelers planning a longer stay in Bali or Jakarta are often surprised by how much extra they need to shell out mid-trip. If you’re planning on staying more than a month, build this cost into your budget early.
11. Russia requires a detailed invitation letter with hidden service fees.
Getting a tourist visa for Russia isn’t just about the government fee. You’ll need an official invitation letter from a hotel or travel company, which often comes with a separate processing fee—even if it’s just a formality. Some agencies bundle this into their services, but others charge it as a surprise add-on.
The process can feel bureaucratic and slow, and the invitation requirement adds an extra cost that many travelers don’t anticipate when budgeting. Even seasoned travelers admit that applying for a Russian visa feels more like filing for paperwork than planning a vacation.
12. China’s visa includes a service charge baked into consular processing.
China’s visa fees are already high, especially for multi-entry permits. But what surprises many applicants is the additional “service fee” charged by visa application centers. These centers handle all the paperwork and appointments, and they tack on their own fee that’s separate from the government’s.
It’s not always clearly disclosed upfront, and it varies depending on your country and which center you go through. For business travelers or families applying together, these extra charges add up quickly—especially if you assumed the published government rate was all you’d have to pay.
13. Schengen visas often come with courier or biometric fees.
Applying for a Schengen visa to visit Europe can involve more than just the standard fee. Many consulates outsource their processing to visa centers, which means you might be charged for biometric data collection or courier services—even if you’re applying in person.
These extra fees are usually small, but they’re not always obvious on consulate websites. You’ll often find out during the appointment or while scheduling. It’s a minor surprise that adds a few extra euros or dollars to your total, but it’s annoying when you thought you’d already paid everything upfront.