Your Schengen visa expenses may increase if you’re planning a trip to Europe

Travellers intending to explore the Schengen area might encounter a notable uptick in their overall trip expenditures, chiefly due to the imminent rise in Schengen visa fees. Recent reports indicate that the European Commission has tabled a proposal to hike the basic fee for Schengen visas in 2024, potentially elevating the financial burden for prospective visitors.

The proposed fee adjustment encompasses not only the standard fee but also additional charges targeted at countries deemed to exhibit insufficient cooperation on readmission. This measure aims to impose extra costs on travellers from nations that do not adequately facilitate the re-entry of individuals expelled from Schengen member states, adding another layer of financial strain for certain travellers.

The Schengen area comprises 27 European member countries that operate under a unified visa policy, enabling citizens of these nations to travel visa-free within the area for up to 90 days. However, citizens from non-European Union member countries, such as South Africa, Pakistan, India, China, and Sri Lanka, are obligated to obtain Schengen visas for entry. Notably, citizens of select countries like Britain, the United States, Canada, and Australia are exempt from Schengen visa requirements.

If the proposed adjustments receive approval, the cost of obtaining a Schengen visa is poised to surge by 12.5%. For adults, the fee will climb from €80 to €90, while for children, it will rise from €40 to €45. Moreover, in instances where countries demonstrate inadequate cooperation on citizen readmission, the visa fee for children is expected to increase from €120 to €135, and for adults, it will escalate from €160 to €180.

The European Commission unveiled the draft of the revised Schengen visa fee on February 2, opening it for feedback until March 1. This initiative gained traction in December 2023 during a meeting with member states, garnering significant support for the revision of visa fees.

The primary impetus behind the proposed surge in Schengen visa prices is attributed to the mounting inflation rate in the European Union. According to insights provided by the European Commission, this necessitates an adjustment in visa fees to align with prevailing economic conditions. Additionally, under the proposed revision, external providers of Schengen visas will be authorized to raise their service fees. Visa agencies, categorized as external providers, can charge a maximum fee of €45, up from the previous €40, constituting half the value of the standard fee. It’s noteworthy that the fee for extending a Schengen visa will remain unchanged at €30.