Skip to content

New increased Schengen Visa Fee is in effect now from 11 June

The European Commission has increased the Schengen visa fee in effect from 11 June 2024. All Schengen countries will be charging now 90 EUR from this date as processing costs around the world. On the other hand, the extension of the Schengen visa has been proposed the same as €30. All new Schengen visa rates are:

Schengen Visa CategoryFee in EUR
Adult applicant€90
Children between 6-12 years of age€45
Children younger than 6 years of ageFree
Holders of diplomatic, official, or service passports traveling for official purposesFree
A family member of an EU/EEA nationalFree
Pupils, students, and accompanying teachers during a school tripFree
Researchers traveling to perform scientific researchFree
Nationals from Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia.€35
For applicants from Cabo Verde€67.50

The income generated through visa applications will be reinvested into making available more resources, including staff for processing visa applications. This should decrease the waiting time for appointments for a Schengen visa.

Statement on official website of the EU Commission.

Biometric Fees

Since the Schengen visa application is handled in many countries through third parties such as VFS Global, TLS contact, etc. They also collect Biometrics on the country’s behalf. These handling bodies are permitted to charge half of the standard visa fee, amounting to €45, up from the previous €40.

Increased Visa Fees for Non-Cooperative Countries

Countries that do not cooperate with readmission agreements with the EU countries, may be imposed higher visa fees on adult applicants, charging either EUR 120 or EUR 160. The EU wants these countries to take back rejected asylum seekers or those who have a criminal history.

Reason for the Fee Increase

On February 2, 2024, the European Commission announced a proposed increase in visa fees. This adjustment accounts for the Europe-wide annual inflation rate and salary changes for civil and national workers over the past three years. Public feedback was solicited from February 2 to March 1, with the implementation date set for March 14, 2024.

Historical Context and Future Changes

The intention to adjust the visa fee was first declared in 2020, with plans for triennial updates. All Schengen member countries are required to adhere to the European Commission’s regulations, ensuring uniform visa fees across the zone. The Schengen visa fee applies uniformly to all types of visas, whether for single, double, or multiple entries.

Schengen Visa Guide