Cost of Schengen Visas Set to Surge: What Travellers Need to Know

Travellers planning a trip to the Schengen area are in for a financial jolt as the cost of obtaining Schengen visas is poised to increase significantly. A recent proposal by the European Commission suggests a substantial hike in the basic fee for Schengen visas in 2024.

Moreover, the proposal includes even higher fees for countries deemed to have shown insufficient cooperation on the readmission of expelled individuals. This impending change has implications for travellers worldwide, particularly those from non-European Union member countries.

Rising Schengen Visa Fees

The European Commission's proposal aims to raise the cost of Schengen visas, impacting travellers from non-European Union member countries. Currently set at €80 for adults and €40 for children, the proposed increase would raise adult fees to €90 and children's fees to €45. Additionally, countries deemed lacking in cooperation on readmission would face even higher fees, with adult fees potentially rising to €180 and children's fees to €135.

Impact on Travelers

For citizens of non-European Union member countries, obtaining a Schengen visa is essential for travel within the Schengen area. With the proposed fee hikes, travellers will face increased financial burdens, potentially deterring some from visiting Schengen countries. Nationals from South Africa, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and China are among those who will be more affected by these changes.

Proposal and Process

The European Commission presented the draft of the Schengen visa fee hike on February 2, with a feedback period open until March 1. The proposal comes after a meeting in December 2023 where experts from member states supported revising visa fees due to rising inflation in the EU. If accepted, the new fees would come into effect, impacting travellers and external providers of Schengen visas alike.

Implications for External Providers

External providers, such as visa agencies, will also be affected by the proposed fee changes. Currently permitted to charge a maximum of half the standard fee, external providers could see their maximum fee rise to €45 from the current €40. This adjustment aligns with the overall increase in Schengen visa fees and may influence the cost of visa processing for travellers.

The proposed surge in Schengen visa fees underscores the financial challenges faced by travellers planning trips to the Schengen area. While the European Commission cites rising inflation as a reason for the fee hike, the potential impact on travel accessibility and affordability cannot be overlooked.

Also read: Concerns Mount Over Safety of Indian-Origin Students in the US

As the proposal undergoes review and feedback, travellers and external providers alike await clarity on the future cost of Schengen visas and their implications for international travel.