Indian citizens planning to travel or work abroad should be aware of significant visa and entry rule adjustments taking effect from July 1, 2026. Four key destinations—the United States, Japan, Vietnam, and Australia—are implementing changes that could impact application processes, costs, and eligibility for various permits.
United States: Premium Processing for B-1/B-2 Visas
For those facing long wait times for US tourist (B-2) or business (B-1) visa interviews, the US State Department is launching a six-month pilot program. From July 1, eligible applicants at select embassies and consulates can pay an additional $750 (approximately INR 71,000) to secure an interview slot within 10 business days. This premium charge is in addition to the standard $185 application fee, bringing the total to $935.
- The premium fee guarantees an earlier interview but does not influence the visa approval outcome.
- Applicants must first complete the DS-160 form, pay the regular fee, and book a standard appointment.
- Limited slots will be available, and the $750 is non-refundable if an appointment is canceled or missed.
- The pilot runs until December 31, after which its permanence will be assessed.
Japan: Substantial Visa Fee Increases
Japan is revising its visa fees significantly, marking the largest change in decades. Indian passport holders, who generally require a visa for entry, will experience these new costs directly:
- A single-entry visa will increase from approximately ¥3,000 to ¥15,000 (roughly INR 8,850).
- A multiple-entry visa will rise from ¥6,000 to ¥30,000 (approximately INR 17,700).
These fees are typically collected in the local currency of the application processing country, and additional handling charges may apply through authorized agencies. No fee is charged if a visa application is refused.
Vietnam: New Health Declaration Requirement
Vietnam is introducing a mandatory health declaration for all individuals entering, exiting, or transiting through the country, effective July 1. This requirement applies broadly to tourists, business visitors, students, resident expatriates, and even transit passengers.
- The declaration form must be completed within seven days of the border crossing.
- A bilingual form (Vietnamese and English) has been issued.
- The Vietnamese health ministry may update requirements based on the global disease situation, making this an ongoing mechanism.
- Travelers are advised to confirm submission procedures with airlines and Vietnamese authorities before departure.
Australia: Higher Salary Thresholds for Skilled Workers
Australia's changes primarily target skilled migration programs. From July 1, the minimum salary requirements for certain sponsored work visas will increase:
- The Core Skills Income Threshold, applicable to programs like the Skills in Demand subclass 482 visa, will rise from AUD 76,515 to AUD 79,499 (approximately INR 51.81 lakh).
- The Specialist Skills Income Threshold will increase from AUD 141,210 to AUD 146,717 (approximately INR 95.66 lakh).
These revised thresholds will apply to any visa nomination lodged on or after July 1. The proposed salary must meet either the new threshold or the applicable annual market salary rate, whichever is higher. These figures refer to base pay only, excluding non-cash benefits. Nominations and visa applications submitted before July 1 generally remain subject to the previous thresholds.
Important Note for Applicants
For all four countries, the new rules are typically triggered by applications or nominations submitted on or after July 1. Applicants should carefully check filing dates, as a difference of even one day could impact costs and eligibility under the new regulations.