Please take note if you are planning a trip to the Schengen Area. The European Commission has proposed an increase in the basic fee for Schengen visas, which could result in an increase in the overall cost of euro travel. The committee tasked with revising Schengen visa fees every three years is considering making visas even more expensive for countries that do not cooperate well with re-entry. This also includes countries that allow re-entry of travelers expelled by Schengen visa member states, which may increase the financial burden for certain travelers.
Schengen visa costs skyrocket: regional trends, expected cost increases
The Schengen Area is made up of 27 European member states and operates under a uniform visa policy. Citizens of these countries can travel visa-free within the region for up to 90 days. However, nationals of non-Schengen countries such as Sri Lanka, China, South Africa, India, and Pakistan are required to obtain a visa before visiting the Schengen Area. It is important to note that nationals of the UK, US, Canada and Australia are exempt from Schengen visa requirements.
Taking into account the approval of the proposed fee increase, the total cost of obtaining a Schengen visa will increase by 12.5%. Adult fees will increase from €80 (US$86) to €90 (US$96), and child visa fees will increase from €40 (US$43) to €45 (US$48). Furthermore, if a state does not cooperate with the re-entry of its nationals, adult visa fees will jump from €160 (US$172) to €180 (US$193), and child visa fees will increase accordingly to €120 (US$129). will be done. ) from 135 euros (145 USD).
The main factor behind the increase in Schengen visa costs is the rising inflation rate in the European Union. Due to rising visa costs, external service providers for Schengen visas may also increase their fees. External visa agents can now charge up to €40 (US$43), up from €45 (US$48) previously. Furthermore, the Schengen visa extension fee remains unchanged at 30 euros (32 USD).
The European Commission submitted this draft for consideration on 2 February 2024 and is open for evaluation until 1 March 2024. This initiative came to the fore in her December 2023 meeting with Member States, when the topic of “regulatory revision” was taken up. The overwhelming support for visa fees was welcomed.
(Featured image credit: carlo deviti/Shutterstock)
All currency conversions were made at the time of writing.
Related: Avoid these mistakes to protect yourself from Schengen visa application rejection
