Traveling to Europe will soon be more costly as the European Commission has announced a 12% increase in Schengen visa fees, effective June 11, 2024. This decision impacts travelers from around the world planning visits to the Schengen area, which includes 27 European countries like France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.
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Updated Schengen Visa Fees
Under the new fee structure, adult applicants will see the visa fee rise from €80 to €90, while children aged 6 to 12 will pay €45, up from €40. This increase, the first since February 2020, is attributed to inflation and rising administrative costs. The European Commission noted that the additional revenue will help cover expenses related to background checks, data processing, and maintaining the security of the Schengen zone.
Who should apply for a Schengen Visa?
The Schengen visa is essential for tourists, business travelers, and those visiting family within the Schengen area. It allows for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period and facilitates seamless travel across internal borders. The visa types include the Uniform Schengen Visa (USV) for short stays, the Airport Transit Visa (ATV), and the National Visa for longer stays.
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Countries Covered by Schengen Visa
The Schengen Area encompasses a broad range of countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Norway.
While Norway is not officially a member, it adheres to the same regulations as the Schengen states.
Why Schengen Visa Fees Increased?
In 2023, the Schengen region saw over 10.3 million short-stay visa applications, a notable increase from the previous year but still below the pre-pandemic peak of 17 million in 2019. The fee hike comes at a time when Europe is actively promoting tourism to boost its economy, making the timing of the increase significant for potential travelers.
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Still, some countries offer reduced visa costs…
Special fee arrangements exist for certain countries, reflecting bilateral agreements. For instance, applicants from Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Belarus will continue to pay a reduced fee of €35, while those from Cabo Verde will pay €60.
Relief for Indians…
To accommodate the growing number of Indian travelers, the European Commission has introduced a new “visa cascade” system, effective from April 18, 2024. This initiative aims to streamline the process for obtaining multi-entry visas and rewards applicants with a positive visa history. Indian citizens who have lawfully used two visas in the past three years may now qualify for a two-year multi-entry visa, with the potential to upgrade to a five-year visa.
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Conclusive Remarks
Despite the increased costs, the Schengen visa remains a vital tool for experiencing Europe’s diverse cultural and historical heritage. Travelers planning trips after June 11 should budget for the higher fees but can still look forward to the benefits of easy travel across multiple European nations.
This fee adjustment highlights the ongoing efforts by the European Commission to maintain a secure and efficient visa processing system, ensuring that the necessary resources are in place to handle the increasing demand for Schengen visas.
