European Commission Confirms Schengen Visa Fee Hike Effective June 11

Starting June 11, 2024, the cost of obtaining a Schengen visa will hike by 12%, the European Commission has announced. This will increase the standard fee for adults from €80 to €90 and for children from €40 to €45. The Commission attributes this increase to inflationary pressures across member states.

What’s Changing?

• The standard Schengen visa fee will increase from €80 to €90 for adults (aged 12 and over).
• The fee for children aged 6 to 12 will rise from €40 to €45.
• Importantly, visa applications for children under 6 remain free of charge.

Why the Increase?

According to the European Commission, Schengen visa fees have remained relatively low compared to other countries. For instance, visa fees for the UK start at €134, while in the US, they can be around €185, and in Australia, approximately €117.

The Commission reviews these fees every three years, using criteria such as inflation rates and average civil servant salaries in member states to determine necessary adjustments.

The latest review and the resulting proposal were overwhelmingly supported by member states in a December meeting.

Schengen Area: Who Needs a Visa?

A Schengen visa is required for non-EU citizens from countries like South Africa, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and China who do not benefit from the EU/Schengen Area’s 90-day visa-free rule.

This visa allows for tourism or family visits but does not permit work in the 28 European countries that are part of the Schengen Area.

Notably, EU member states such as Ireland and Cyprus, as well as non-EU countries like Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland, also participate in the Schengen Convention.

Visitors from countries including the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia are exempt from needing a Schengen visa for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period due to their eligibility for visa-free travel.

Impact on External Visa Providers

External visa providers, such as agencies that handle Schengen visa applications for member states, will also be affected by the fee increase.

These agencies typically charge a service fee up to half the standard visa fee, which is proposed to rise from €40 to €45. However, the fee for extending a Schengen visa remains unchanged at €30.

Potential Further Increases for Non-Cooperative Countries

The European Union is considering additional fee increases for countries that do not cooperate in the readmission of their citizens who have been expelled from member states.

For such countries, the visa fee could rise from €120 to €135 and from €160 to €180, adding another layer of complexity for applicants from these regions.

Preparing for the Changes

Travellers planning to visit the Schengen Area after June 11 should prepare for the new visa fees. It is advisable to check the updated costs and ensure all necessary documentation is ready to avoid any delays or complications in the application process.

Also Read: Exploring Europe: New Schengen Visa Rules and Tourism Taxes

Conclusion

The increase in Schengen visa fees underscores the need for travellers to stay informed about the evolving landscape of international travel requirements. With the new fees set to take effect shortly, understanding these changes is crucial for smooth and hassle-free travel to Europe.