The Schengen Visa, enabling visa-free travel to over 29 European countries, is poised to see a price hike.
As of June 11, securing a Schengen visa for European travel will incur a higher fee, with the European Commission sanctioning an increase. The fee for adults will climb from 80 euros to 90 euros, while for children, it will rise from 40 euros to 45 euros. This adjustment impacts nationals from several countries, including South Africa, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and China, necessitating the Schengen visa for tourism or family visits lasting up to 90 days across 28 European countries.
The European Union attributes this fee adjustment to the increasing inflation within its member states. The decision follows the Commission’s regular review of Schengen visa fees every three years. Moreover, the EU is contemplating additional fee hikes for countries showing insufficient cooperation on readmission, potentially raising costs to 135 euros for non-cooperative countries.
Despite the rise in fees, the Schengen visa facilitation agreements remain intact unless explicitly mentioned in the Visa Code. These agreements outline precise provisions concerning visa fees.
The revision in visa fees coincides with broader global immigration developments. For example, the United Kingdom has seen an increase in net migration, leading the government to introduce measures aimed at regulating immigration levels, especially concerning student dependents and income thresholds for overseas workers.
Meanwhile, Australia celebrates 75 years of embracing immigrants, as nearly 6 million individuals from 200 countries have acquired Australian citizenship since 1949. The nation has also bolstered its refugee and humanitarian programs, demonstrating a dedication to humanitarian aid and immigration reform.
In Japan, a fresh Digital Nomad Visa is poised to debut, granting six-month visas to qualifying individuals meeting specific income criteria, aligning with numerous countries worldwide catering to remote workers.
With global immigration policies constantly evolving, travelers and migrants must stay alert to scams and misinformation. Authorities in countries such as New Zealand warn against fraudulent job offers and encourage individuals to utilize approved immigration channels.
In light of the shifting immigration scenario, airlines like Turkish Airlines and Etihad Airways are rolling out new services and forging partnerships to enrich passenger experiences. Meanwhile, Japan is imposing visitor caps at Mount Fuji to safeguard its environment against overtourism.
Stay connected with VisaBud for the latest updates on visa regulations!
