Europe Vacation Plans? Get Ready To Shell Out Extra Bucks As Schengen Visa Fee Skyrockets by 12%

Planning to go for a European vacation? Well, you will have to shell out some extra bucks as the European Commission has accepted the Schengen Visa fees hike proposal. This will mean a 12 percent increase as confirmed by Slovenia¡¯s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. This will be applicable worldwide from Jun 11, 2024.

What Will Be The Schengen Visa Fee Post Hike?

For adults the fee will rise from 80 Euro (Rs 7,243 approx) to 90 Euro (Rs 8,149 approx). As for kids from ages 6 to 12 will go from 40 Euro (Rs 3,621 approx) to 45 Euro (Rs 4,074 approx).

Moreover, nations that fail to collaborate with the EU in repatriating their unlawfully residing nationals could witness a rise in visa charges to 135 Euro (Rs 12,223) or even 180 Euro (Rs 16,298).

"The European Commission adopted a decision to increase short-stay Schengen visa (visa type C) fees worldwide by 12 percent. This increase will apply globally starting June 11, 2024," the Slovenian government stated.

Also Read: This Summer, European Vacay Looks Easy! Indians Can Now Get Multiple Entry Schengen Visa For 5 Yrs

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What Is The Reason Behind The Fee Hike?

The European Commission attributes the increase to inflation and the escalation of civil servant salaries. The last fee adjustment was implemented in February 2020.

This move follows a routine evaluation of EU visa charges conducted in December 2023, as mandated by the Schengen Visa Code, which takes place every three years.

The Schengen Area comprises 29 European countries, granting visa-free travel for short stays to individuals holding a Schengen visa. These countries are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway (not formally part of the Schengen Area but follows its regulations), Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Also Read: Not Getting A Schengen Visa Interview For Your European Vacation This Summer? You Are Not Alone

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Last year, India secured third position in terms of visa applications for Europe, with a total of 9,66,687 submissions.