Schengen Visa Fees to be Increased from June 2024

The Schengen visa will cost 12% more from June 11, 2024. The European Commission has stated that various factors can influence the fee hike. Inflation rates in Schengen countries are possibly the major reason.

Effective June, 2024, a Schengen visa applicant must pay -

• €80 to €90 for adults
• €40 to €45 for children aged 6 to 12

Schengen visa covers 29 European countries, excluding Ireland and Cyprus. It will also cover Romania and Bulgaria. Non-European countries such as Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein will also be affected.

A Schengen visa is required to enter European countries in Schengen areas and permits a stay of 90 days within a six-month time frame. This includes countries such as India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, China, and South Africa. Citizens from the US, Canada, UK, and Australia can travel to the Schengen area for up to 90 days within six months without any Schengen visa grant. However, the basic fee is increasing, and the extended visa fee remains the same.

The EU visa fees are reviewed every three years, and according to the Schengen visa code, this is a mandatory process. The European Commission officials stated that a decision had been made regarding a 12% hike in Schengen visa type C fees. The Commission also warned that non-cooperating countries may face fee elevations of up to €135 or €180.

The European Commission has justified the upsurge in visa prices by citing the inflation rate of Schengen area countries and the average remuneration of civil servants of the members of the countries. The proposal on a visa price hike was made on February 2, 2024, and it was reviewed in December 2023. The last increase in visa price was in February 2023, when the price hiked from €60 to €80.

This decision will significantly impact travelers from various countries, particularly China, Turkey, and India. A recent report indicates that 10% of all visa applications last year came from these three nations. Notably, there was a staggering 43% increase in visa applications from India, reflecting a growing interest in European travel.

The European Commission has introduced a new visa procedure, 'Cascade', specifically designed to facilitate Indian applicants. This new system offers the convenience of multi-entry visas and extended validity. For instance, Indian residents can now apply for a two-year multi-entry visa after using two visas within the past three years. Furthermore, they have the option to apply for a five-year visa, allowing them to stay for up to 90 days in every 180-day period. Indians can also apply for Digital Schengen visas.

For Indian nationals, it's important to prepare for the Schengen visa price hike. One strategy is to apply in advance, before the fee increase takes effect. Additionally, exploring alternative visa options could lead to more cost-effective solutions. However, it's crucial to note that overall travel costs for Indian travelers will increase. Therefore, it's advisable to plan a budget for European travel and stay updated on any further changes to Schengen visa fees.

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