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IN BRIEF
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THE European passports passports of choice remain, granting visa-free access to more than 150 destinations 40 countries Ghana imposes, for example, a e-visa at $260 (≈€227), while the Bhutan combines a modest visa with a sustainable development tax of $100 per person per nightwhich can drive up the bill. Even Japan has joined the ranks of the most expensive countries after increasing its fees fivefold, from 3,000 yen to 15,000 yen (≈€81). And for trips in Europe, don’t forget that the future ETIAS will be billed €20 for three years — a small formality that does not detract from the pleasure of the trip, but will make your wallet smile.
Summary — European passports remain among the most powerful in the world, but traveling is not always free: some countries charge entry fees or e-visas particularly steep. We combed through officially published prices for over 40 destinations to identify where a trip for an EU citizen can cost the most. Surprising records emerge, from Ghana to Bhutan, including a recent surge in Japan — and yes, there are subtleties like daily taxes that drive up the price.
Why this ranking matters
A plane ticket and a packed suitcase are sometimes not enough: you also need to plan for the visa feesSome countries apply a fixed rate, others add taxes per night or differentiate based on the passport issuing country. To plan a smart trip, it’s best to know these costs in advance — hence the value of a comparative overview based on information from official immigration services and specialized media (Euronews Travel, Travel & Discovery, etc.).
Enlightened (and slightly facetious) methodology
The prices listed are taken from the official immigration websites of the countries concerned; we chose the cheapest option offered to visitors when multiple options exist. Some nations display a price range depending on the origin of the European passport, hence the variations. Destinations under a “do not travel” advisory or without online information have been excluded. For readers in a hurry, remember to check the latest updates directly on government websites before your departure.
The (dismal) champions of the awards: who pays the most?
Here are the countries where entry is most expensive for an EU citizen, according to official observed prices:
Bhutan — The most deceptive case: a relatively low advertised entry fee but a sustainable development tax The nightly fee can quickly inflate the bill. Expect a basic fee (around $40) but, more importantly, a tax of approximately $100 per person per night depending on the length of stay, which transforms a short break into an expensive luxury.
Ghana — The price of thee-visa reached the observed peak: around $260 (≈€227), placing Ghana at the top of the ranking of entry fees paid by Europeans.
Nigeria — Fluctuating and heavy pricing: depending on the case, fees can range from $200 to $340 (≈€175-297), making any visit potentially expensive.
Cameroon — A significant price to expect, with nearly €153 for some types of tourist visas.
Algeria — The amounts vary but remain high for the region, around €75 to €110 depending on the category and origin of the passport.
Saudi Arabia — The local ESTA has its price: approximately SAR395 (≈€92) for tourist entry.
Japan — Recent surprise: tourist costs have increased fivefold, from around 3,000 yen (~€16) to 15,000 yen (~€81), propelling Japan into the ranks of the most expensive destinations for European visitors.
Gabon, Namibia, Ivory Coast — These countries are also in the high price category: from tens of euros to more than €80 depending on the destination and type of visa.
Other notable countries at the top of the rankings
Lower down, but still far from free, are countries applying duties of around $30-80/€: Guinea, Sierra Leone, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Benin, Jordan, Bangladesh, Laos, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Mozambique, Togo… These amounts can represent a significant part of the travel budget.
Conversely, some very popular destinations remain reasonable: very modest fees are applied by India depending on the season ($10 to $25), Indonesia asks for around 500,000 IDR (~€24), and countries like Canada, New Zealand or the Seychelles offer minimal fees for European visitors.
A look at the extremes
The spectrum is broad: on one side of fees close to zero For some islands or states that are favorable to tourism, there are other countries where entry fees can amount to hundreds of euros. To be convinced of this, several articles and online maps summarize these differences (MSN, Yahoo, Our Happy Journeys).
Practical consequences for the European traveler
Beyond the monetary cost, these fees influence planning: length of stay, itinerary choice, accommodation, and even insurance can be affected. An extended stay in Bhutan, for example, is not simply a matter of an entrance fee; the daily tax transforms the budget equation. Furthermore, some countries regularly change their regulations—a political shift or regional crisis is all it takes for the amounts to change rapidly (see, for example, the coverage by the specialized press). Southeast Asia).
Security and economic concerns also influence visa policies: Thailand, for example, recently adjusted the duration of visa-free stays and strengthened surveillance to better control tourist flows and combat certain behaviors (economic uncertainties, increased surveillance, shortening of stays).
A brief aside: air travel restrictions and other surprises
Travelers should also keep an eye out for flight restrictions or bans targeting certain nationalities: the situation for some Russian nationals, for example, has become very restrictive in recent years (specialized reports).
The upcoming arrival of ETIAS: a new expense for some
The European Union is implementing its own authorization system, the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System). Travellers currently exempt from visas — such as those from the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada or Australia — will soon have to apply for this authorization before entering countries participating in the system.
Advertised price: €20 by request, valid three years or until the passport expires. Please note: the launch date has been postponed and could be early next year, so it’s advisable to stay informed (see in particular the news section on [website/platform name]). Euronews Travel (for the latest information).
Sources, maps and recommended reading
To explore this further and consult visual representations, several media outlets have compiled this data and offer interactive maps or detailed articles: Travel & Discovery, Yahoo, MSN and analytical articles on Our Happy Journeys.
For ministerial updates and official amounts, the best practice remains to consult the immigration websites of the destination countries before finalizing any booking.
FAQ — Most expensive tourist visas for EU citizens
Q: Which countries have the most expensive tourist visas for holders of a European Union passport?
A: At the top of the rankings are some unexpected destinations: Ghana offers one of the most expensive e-visas (approximately $260), THE Bhutan charges a modest entrance fee but imposes a very high sustainable development tax per night, and the Japan recently made a significant price jump, increasing its fees for visitors fivefold.
Q: Why can a stay in Bhutan be so expensive despite a low entry fee?
A: Bhutan levies a daily sustainability tax per visitor — a fixed sum per person per night — which quickly drives up the total cost for multi-night stays, well beyond the simple entry fee.
Q: Is the visa price the same for all EU countries?
A: No. For many countries, fees vary depending on the issuing country of the European passport. Therefore, some fees are listed as ranges and may change depending on the traveler’s nationality.
Q: Are the published amounts directly comparable to each other?
A: Not always. The amounts come from official immigration websites and reflect the cheapest option available, but the conditions (duration, type of entry, additional taxes) differ from country to country, making comparisons approximate.
Q: Which other countries are among the most expensive, beyond the trio of Ghana/Bhutan/Japan?
A: Several African and Asian countries appear at the top of the rankings with high fees or specific pricing policies: notable examples include high fees at Nigeria, At Cameroon and in Algeria, as well as countries requesting significant amounts such as the Jordan or the Gabon.
Q: Are there any low-cost destinations for tourist visas?
A: Yes. Several countries charge very modest fees: travel authorizations or e-visas can be found for a few tens of euros, or even less (for example Canada, New Zealand for certain formalities), and other states offer total exemptions depending on the situation.
Q: How was this information collected?
A: The figures come from the official websites of the immigration services of the countries studied. The data covers more than 40 destinations and excludes countries subject to “do not travel” advisories or lacking publicly available information.
Q: Can these fees change? How can I be sure before I leave?
A: Yes, prices change regularly. It is strongly recommended to consult the official website of the immigration service of your destination country or the embassy before traveling to obtain the current prices and conditions.
Q: What about the new European travel authorization system, ETIAS?
A: L’ETIAS is an authorization for visa-exempt travelers wishing to enter about thirty European countries. It is expected to be subject to a fee (€20) and valid for three years (or until the passport expires). Its launch has been delayed and is now expected in early 2027.
Q: Do the listed fees include all travel-related costs (taxes, arrival formalities, etc.)?
A: No. The amounts shown are the lowest available official visa or e-visa fees. They do not always include national taxes, additional processing fees, or mandatory local contributions (such as the development tax in Bhutan).
Q: What should I do if I discover a surprising price just before my departure?
A: Stay calm: immediately verify the official source, contact the embassy or consulate, and, if possible, postpone or change your trip. To avoid unpleasant surprises, applying for your visa several weeks before departure is the best strategy.