Starting this June, the cost of obtaining a Schengen visa is set to rise, as confirmed by the European Commission.
The visa fee will increase by 12%, with the basic fee for adults going up from €80 to €90 and for children from €40 to €45. The Commission attributes this increase to inflation across member states.
Despite the hike, the Commission notes that these fees remain “relatively low” compared to visa costs in other countries. For instance, a UK visa starts at €134, a US visa at approximately €185, and an Australian visa at €117.
Schengen Visa: Who Needs It?
A Schengen visa is required for non-EU citizens who are not covered by the EU/Schengen Area’s 90-day rule. This includes nationals from countries such as South Africa, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and China.
This visa is essential for tourism or family visits but cannot be used for employment purposes in 28 European countries. It allows for stays of up to 90 days within any six-month period.
Visitors from countries like the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia do not need a Schengen visa for short stays, as they are permitted 90 days of visa-free travel within a 180-day period. However, anyone wishing to stay longer or work will need to apply for a different visa from the specific country.
Reasons Behind the Fee Increase
Every three years, the European Commission reviews and adjusts visa fees based on “objective criteria” such as inflation rates and the average salary of civil servants in member states. The recent proposal for a price hike was made on February 2nd, following a December meeting where member states supported the revision by a significant majority.
Additionally, the Commission has suggested that external providers handling Schengen visa applications may also raise their fees accordingly. These providers, such as visa agencies, typically charge up to half the standard fee. The proposed increase would raise their maximum charge from €40 to €45.
Future Considerations and Potential Further Increases
While the fee for extending a Schengen visa will remain fixed at €30, the EU is contemplating further fee increases for countries that do not cooperate with the readmission of individuals expelled from member states. For such countries, the cost of a Schengen visa could rise from €120 to €135, and from €160 to €180 for subsequent applications.
