Travelers planning a visit to the Schengen area may encounter a significant increase in their trip expenses due to the proposed surge in Schengen visa costs. The European Commission aims to raise the basic fee for Schengen visas in 2024, potentially making trips pricier for prospective visitors.
The proposed fee hike targets countries deemed to have displayed ‘insufficient cooperation on readmission,’ adding an additional financial burden for certain travelers. This measure includes nations that accept the re-entry of individuals expelled from Schengen member states.
The Schengen area comprises 27 European member countries operating under a unified visa policy, allowing citizens of these member nations visa-free travel 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 required to obtain Schengen visas. Notably, citizens of Britain, the United States, Canada, and Australia are exempt from Schengen visa requirements.
If approved, the cost of obtaining a Schengen visa is set to surge by 12.5%. The fee for adults will increase from €80 to €90, while for children, it will rise from €40 to €45. In cases where countries fail to cooperate on citizen readmission, the visa fee for children is expected to rise from €120 to €135, and for adults, it will escalate from €160 to €180.
The 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.
The driving force behind the proposed surge in Schengen visa prices is attributed to the escalating inflation rate in the European Union. According to insights provided by the European Commission, this necessitates an adjustment in visa fees to accommodate economic realities.
In line with the proposed revision, external providers of Schengen visas will also be authorized to increase 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.
