The European Commission is raising the Schengen visa fee in June. Prices will go up by 12 per cent. Now, adults will pay €90 instead of €80, and kids’ fees will be €45, up from €40. This increase is due to inflation in member countries.
Schengen visas are key for non-EU citizens from places like South Africa and China. These people can’t use the EU/Schengen 90-day visa waiver. The visa allows tourism or family visits in 28 European countries but doesn’t let you work there.>
Unlike those from the US or Australia who can travel without a visa for 90 days, others need a Schengen visa. If you want to stay longer or work, you must get a different visa.
The visa fee change reflects the Commission’s regular checks every three years. They look at inflation and what government workers earn in member countries.
Overview of the Schengen Visa Price Increase
In June, those heading to the Schengen Area will see a significant Schengen visa price hike.
The hike is set by the European Commission. Adult visa fees will go up from €80 to €90. Fees for kids will increase from €40 to €45. But, the charge for extending a Schengen visa stays at €30. Expect other changes too.
When compared to other countries, the new cost of Schengen visa is still reasonable. For comparison, the USA’s fee is €185, the UK’s starts at £115 (€134), Canada asks for about €130, and Australia’s fee is €117.
There are also higher fees for countries not taking back citizens expelled from the EU. These might go up to between €135 and €180. And external visa service providers can now charge up to €45 instead of €40.
The European Commission has matched this increase to inflation and wage changes of public workers. This helps keep the visa system working well.
Remember, cost of Schengen visa fees will be checked every three years. There are plans for digital Schengen visas by 2028. This will make traveling easier and more efficient.
Reasons Behind the Schengen Visa Fee Rise
The cost of the Schengen visa has gone up. This is due to economic changes in European countries. The European Commission announced this increase, starting 11 June. They explained it’s because of some important reasons.
Inflation Rates
The main reason for the hike is the EU inflation rate. Inflation affects how much it costs to manage visas. To keep up, the Commission checks the economy every three years. They make sure the fees match up with the economic situation.
Comparative Costs
Even after the price goes up, Schengen visas will still be a good deal. Consider this: a US visa costs about €185, the UK’s is €134, and Australia’s is €117. But the Schengen adult visa will only go up to €90 from €80. And for kids, from €40 to €45. So, it’s still affordable compared to others.
This price change also considers what government workers in the EU make. It reflects changes in the economy and keeps the visa system going. Member states agreed to this in December. They want to keep the Schengen visa system working well.
Impact of the Price Hike on Travelers
The Schengen visa fee increase starts on June 11. It affects many travelers, especially those from countries outside the EU. People from places like South Africa, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and China will need to pay more. The cost for adults goes from €80 to €90, and for children, it jumps from €40 to €45. These folks often visit Europe for tourism or to see family. They usually stay for up to 90 days in a six-month period.
The fee increase makes travel to Europe pricier. It reflects inflation rates and the average salary of government workers in the EU. This brings visa costs closer to other economic realities.
Affected Groups
Non-EU citizens needing a Schengen visa will feel the increase. It adds to their travel costs. While the UK, the US, and Australia have higher visa fees, the Schengen visa fees are still reasonable. Yet, the increase might stop some from traveling. Also, service providers processing visas might raise their fees from €40 to €45. This adds even more to the cost.
For countries not helping enough with readmission, fees could hit €135-€180. This will heavily impact those applicants.
Exemptions
Travelers from the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia won’t see much change. They don’t need visas for short visits to the Schengen Area. They can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period, enjoying easy travel. Yet, if they want to stay longer or work there, they’ll need a different visa.
The European Commission reviews Schengen visa fees every three years. This ensures fees match up with current economic conditions. These adjustments help keep travel accessible while covering costs.
The Schengen visa price hike is a mix of travel rules, economy, and international collaboration. Though it impacts many travelers, it’s important to stay updated. Knowing about these changes helps with planning trips to Europe.
