Planning a trip to Europe? Your Schengen visa might soon cost you more

Travellers planning a visit to the Schengen area are likely to face a substantial increase in their overall trip expenses, primarily due to the forthcoming surge in Schengen visa costs. As per the latest news reports, the European Commission has proposed an increase in the basic fee for Schengen visas in 2024, which will make trips costlier for prospective visitors.

Targeted fee hikeNotably, the entity responsible for revising Schengen visa fees every three years is considering an additional increase in fees for countries displaying ‘insufficient cooperation on readmission.’ This will include nations that accept the re-entry of individuals expelled from Schengen member states, adding an extra layer of financial burden for certain travellers.
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Schengen area dynamicsUnderstanding the context, the Schengen area consists of 27 European member countries operating under a unified visa policy. Citizens of these member nations enjoy visa-free travel within the Schengen area for up to 90 days. However, for citizens from non-European Union member countries, including South Africa, Pakistan, India, China, and Sri Lanka, obtaining Schengen visas is mandatory. Notably, citizens of Britain, the United States, Canada, and Australia are exempt from Schengen visa requirements.

Projected cost increase
If the proposed adjustments gain approval, the cost of obtaining a Schengen visa is set to surge by 12.5%. For adults, the fee will rise from €80 to €90, while for children, it will increase from €40 to €45. Furthermore, in cases where countries fail to cooperate on citizen readmission, the visa fee for children is slated to rise from €120 to €135, and for adults, it will escalate from €160 to €180.

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Commission's initiativeThe European Commission presented the draft of the revised Schengen visa fee on February 2, opening it up for feedback until March 1. This initiative gained momentum in December 2023 during a meeting with member states, where experts expressed overwhelming support for the revision of visa fees.


Rationale behind the hikeThe driving force behind the proposed surge in Schengen visa prices is attributed to the escalating inflation rate in the European Union. As per the insights provided by the European Commission, this necessitates an adjustment in visa fees to accommodate the economic realities.

Also, in line with the proposed revision, external providers of Schengen visas will also be authorised to elevate their service fees. Visa agencies, as external providers, can charge a maximum fee of €45, up from the previous €40, representing half the value of the standard fee. It's important to note that the fee for extending a Schengen visa will remain unchanged at €30.