The European Commission is proposing a price increase for Schengen visas in 2024, potentially making them more expensive.
The European Commission is suggesting a rise in Schengen visa fees, possibly escalating by 12.5%. (Source: REUTERS)
Travelers intending to visit the Schengen area should brace themselves for a substantial surge in trip expenses, as obtaining Schengen visas is set to become more costly due to a price hike.
A Schengen visa price increase is on the horizon, as proposed by the European Commission. The plan calls for raising the basic fee for a Schengen visa in 2024. Additionally, the body responsible for revising the Schengen visa fee every three years intends to further raise the fee for countries deemed to have “insufficient cooperation on readmission.” These countries are those that are not adequately accepting individuals expelled from member states.
Countries within and outside the Schengen Area
The Schengen area comprises 27 European member countries that adhere to a unified visa policy for international travel. Citizens of these member countries can travel within the Schengen area for up to 90 days without needing a visa, thanks to the visa-free rule.
Citizens from non-European Union member countries such as South Africa, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and China must obtain Schengen visas to travel to the Schengen area. However, nationals of Britain, Canada, the United States, and Australia are exempt from needing a Schengen visa.
Schengen visa fee for 2024 ?
Euronews reported that if the proposal is approved, the expense of acquiring a Schengen visa will rise by 12.5 percent, increasing from €80 to €90 for adults and from €40 to €45 for children.
According to Euronews, the visa fee for children will rise from €120 to €135, while for adults, it will increase from €160 to €180 in countries that have not cooperated in citizen readmission.
The European Commission presented the draft of the Schengen visa fee on February 2, with a feedback period open until March 1. In December 2023, the Commission convened a meeting with member states, during which experts from these nations overwhelmingly supported the revision of visa fees.
Cause of the Increase in Schengen Visa Fees
The suggested increase in prices stems from the escalating inflation rate in the EU, according to the European Commission. Furthermore, the proposal allows external providers of Schengen visas to adjust their fees in accordance with the revision.
According to the proposal, external providers such as visa agencies will now be permitted to charge a maximum fee of €45, up from the previous €40, which is half the standard fee. However, the fee for extending a Schengen visa will remain unchanged at €30.
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