Tourist visas can be unclear to holidaymakers - from uncertainty about what countries require them to a lack of awareness that third-parties overcharge.
- Third-party visa websites may be overcharging for tourist visas, for example up to 462% more on average for Zimbabwe
- Half (50%) of holidaymakers are not confident they know which countries require a tourist visa
- Almost 7 in 10 (67%) holidaymakers who have previously used a tourist visa experienced a negative emotion during the application process, such as stress and anxiety
- Travel insurance experts at Confused.com have created a handy tool to check if the destination you’re travelling to requires a tourist visa
The process of getting a tourist visa for a holiday abroad can feel overwhelming and often comes with a significant cost in both time and money. Travel insurance experts at Confused.com recently surveyed holidaymakers on their knowledge around tourist visas and looked into how much third parties overcharge.
Third-party websites overcharge for tourist visas
The process of obtaining a tourist visa varies by destination, but they’re usually available via the country’s official government website, visa website, embassy / consulate or visa centre. Some travellers also use third parties like visa agencies, tour operators and travel agents.
Third-party websites offer fast tracked, easy-to-use services, but typically add on additional processing, service or consultation fees. Over two fifths (42%) of holidaymakers are unaware of this. Confused.com’s research revealed that these services often charge more than official government providers - for example by as much as 462% on average for Zimbabwe.
British citizens can usually obtain a free electronic travel visa (for entry up to three months) for a holiday to Australia, while third-party websites charge on average £56.79.
Travellers are unclear on tourist visa requirements
Half (50%) of holidaymakers surveyed are not confident that they know which countries require a tourist visa for entry. Many were also unsure of what documents are needed for a visa application. Most countries simply request a passport and passport-type photograph, but for some you must also provide a travel itinerary (round trip tickets), proof of accommodation and, in some cases, a bank statement - for example, Liberia.
| Required Document | Holidaymakers unaware it’s a requirement |
|---|---|
|
Bank statement / proof of funds
|
74%
|
|
1 - 2 blank passport pages for stamps / stickers
|
68%
|
|
Proof of accommodation
|
60%
|
|
Recent passport-style photograph
|
57%
|
|
Travel itinerary i.e. return flight booking details
|
54%
|
|
Visa application form
|
33%
|
|
Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond departure date)
|
26%
|
|
All of the above
|
11%
|
The visa application process causes stress and anxiety
For those who have previously applied for a tourist visa, almost 7 in 10 (67%) reported experiencing a negative emotion during the application process. Over half reported (53%) feeling stressed, nearly half (46%) felt anxious and over 4 in 10 (45%) felt confused.
Out of all respondents, almost 1 in 5 (18%) even said they’ve been put off from visiting a country because of the visa application process. Specific factors that deter them include the cost (57%), finding it complicated or confusing (54%) and the long processing times (54%).
Travel insurance expert at Confused.com, Tom Vaughan, comments:
“Entry requirements and visa-free periods vary by destination, so it’s sensible to factor this into your holiday planning. Confused.com has launched a visa checker tool to help you quickly find out whether your chosen destination(s) requires a tourist visa. If so, the tool directs you to the country’s official visa website, saving you time and helping you avoid unnecessary costs. When visiting official websites, it’s important to check the criteria and document requirements to ensure everything is valid and in order before applying.”
- ENDS -
Notes to editorsA survey of 2,000 UK adults who go on holiday abroad at least once a year, minimum of 300 who have been to a country using a tourist visa in the past 5 years. Results were collected between 11th to 18th February 2026.
Confused.com looked at the minimum cost of a tourist visa + any additional fees for any country that requires them on 5 third-party websites. For countries where at least 3 third-party websites sold the visa, the average cost was calculated, then compared to the cost on the official visa website (converted approximately into GBP where applicable). The percentage increase was then calculated (correct as of 3rd March).
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