The United States, Australia, Japan, and Vietnam will implement new visa regulations from July 1: What travelers and foreign workers must know
Starting from July 1, starting in the second half of this year, several new regulations on visas will take effect. Australia has increased the minimum wage for migrant workers as the United States launches a new express tourist visa pilot program. Japan has raised entry visa fees for the first time since 1978, and Vietnam has made health declarations mandatory.
US visa pilot program will speed up visa processing by $750
The United States will launch a pilot program allowing expedited B1 and B2 visas if applicants pay an additional $750. This additional fee will ensure that applicants receive a visa interview appointment within 10 working days.
- The pilot project will run from July to December to test whether travelers are willing to pay extra for emergency meetings, conferences, etc. to get their visas faster.
- This only applies to tourists and the fee does not guarantee that a visa will be approved.
- Applicants paying this additional fee must complete the standard B-1 or B-2 visa application process.
Australia raises minimum wage for visa holders
Australia has increased the minimum wage for employer-sponsored skilled workers.
- The core skills income threshold will increase from A$76,515 to A$79,499.
- The professional skills income threshold will increase from A$141,210 to A$146,717.
- The income threshold for temporary skilled immigrants will increase from A$76,515 to A$79,499.
The new salary will apply to new nominations submitted on or after July 1. The changes will not affect current visa holders or nominations submitted before 1 July.
Japan raises visa fees
Japan announced that it will increase entry visa fees fivefold from July 1. This is the first time Japan has raised fees since 1978. Single-entry visa fees will rise from 3,000 yen to 15,000 yen, and multiple-entry visa fees will rise from 6,000 yen to 30,000 yen.
- The visa fee increase is targeted at travelers.
- Visitors from around 100 countries will have to pay the increased fees.
- Countries such as the US, UK and Australia fall into the exempt category so they do not have to pay the increased fees.
Indians are also exempted from the visa fee hike, some reports said. India’s “Condé Nast Traveller” reported that the Japanese Consulate General in Mumbai confirmed that the revised fees will not apply to Indian nationals. The Indian Embassy in Japan currently reflects the unchanged fees for Indians and the fee changes for other nationalities on its website.
Vietnam Health Declaration
Starting from July 1, 2026, Vietnam requires every passenger entering, exiting or transiting Vietnam to fill in a mandatory health declaration.
- This affects all inbound, outbound and transit passengers.
- This form must be completed within 7 days before travel.
