Visa fees, often overlooked, are becoming increasingly pivotal in shaping travel decisions worldwide. As the world emerges from the pandemic, countries are reassessing their visa policies to stimulate tourism.
This article investigates whether the rising costs of visas could hinder the already fragile recovery of international travel, with a focus on Indonesia, India, Thailand, and Turkey.
Turkey transitioned to an e-visa scheme in 2013, replacing the old visa-on-arrival system. This change, however, saw limited success due to regional tensions and existing visa policies.
Despite reduced arrivals initially, by 2017-2018, Turkey experienced over 20% growth in international tourism, reflecting a rebound partially aided by visa policy adjustments.
Visa fees are proving to be a critical factor in global travel recovery. As countries like Indonesia and India demonstrate, strategic fee adjustments can promote tourism, while increased costs might deter visitors.
Balancing economic goals with enticing visa policies will be crucial for governments aiming to revitalise their travel sectors.