If you’re planning a European vacation, you might need to budget a bit more for your trip. The European Union has decided to increase the fees for Schengen visas, which are the visas you need to visit most European countries.
What’s Changing?
Starting June 11, 2024, the fees for Schengen visas are going up. For adults, it will now cost €90 instead of €80, which is a 12.5 per cent increase. And for kids aged 6 to 12, the fee will be €45 instead of €40.
Why the Increase?
The European Commission, the group that made this decision, says they’re raising the fees to keep up with inflation and to pay their employees better. They review these fees every three years, and the last time they changed them was in February 2020. Also, there’s been a big jump in visa applications recently, about 36 per cent more in 2023 compared to 2022, although it’s not back to the level before COVID-19 hit.
New Rules for Indian Travelers After Schengen Visa Fee Hike
For folks from India, there’s some good news. They can now get longer-term visas, up to five years, if they’ve had and used two visas in the past three years. This means they can come and go from Schengen countries for multiple trips without getting new visas each time.
Where Can You Go with a Schengen Visa?
With a Schengen visa, you can visit 29 European countries. This includes popular spots like France, Italy, Spain, and many others.
What’s the Bottom Line of The Schengen Visa Fee Hike?
For adults, the new fee is €90, and for kids, it’s €45. So, if you’re planning a trip to Europe, make sure to factor in these higher costs for your visa.
Remember:
- The Schengen Area covers most EU countries, except for Ireland and Cyprus.
- It also includes some non-EU countries like Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.
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