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Planning your next European getaway? Be prepared to shell out more money as the European Commission is considering raising the fees for Schengen visas. This change could affect both adults and children traveling to Europe.
Currently, the basic fee for a Schengen visa stands at 80 euros for adults and 40 euros for children. However, the proposed adjustment could see these fees increase to 90 euros for adults and 45 euros for children. Schengen visas are highly sought after by individuals from countries like South Africa, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and China, who are not covered by the EU/Schengen area's 90-day rule.
The proposal also introduces a higher fee tier for countries that are deemed uncooperative in accepting expelled citizens back from member states. In cases where there is "insufficient cooperation on readmission," the Schengen visa fee for citizens from that country could rise significantly.
Furthermore, the revision of visa fees extends to external service providers handling visa applications on behalf of member states. The maximum charge imposed by these service providers is slated to increase as well.
Despite the proposed hike, the European Commission emphasizes that Schengen visa fees remain relatively low compared to other countries. For example, the proposed fee for a Schengen visa extension will remain at 30 euros. The Commission highlights that even with the increase, these fees are reasonable when compared to visa fees in countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
The proposal is currently open for consultation until March 1. After this period, the Commission can adopt the regulation, and it will come into effect 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. Travelers planning trips to Europe should stay updated on these developments to avoid any surprises in visa costs.
