Schengen Visa Fee Update: As of June 11, 2024, the visa fee has increased from €80 to €90 for adults. For children aged 6 to 12 years, the fee has risen from €40 to €45, while children under six years old remain exempt from visa fees.
When applying for a Schengen visa at an embassy, consulate, or visa application center, the fee must be paid upon submission. Failure to pay will result in the rejection of your visa application.
How Much Does a Schengen Visa Cost?
The costs for a Schengen visa are as follows:
| Visa Category | Visa Fee in EUR |
|---|---|
| Adult | €90.00 |
| Children between 6-12 years of age | €45.00 |
| Children younger than six years of age | Free |
| Nationals from Armenia, Azerbaijan and Belarus | €35.00 |
| Nationals from Cabo Verde | €67.50 |
Even though the fees are static and unchangeable until the Schengen members decide otherwise, some categories are exempt from paying this amount.
Who Is Exempt from Paying the Visa Fee?
Apart from children under six years of age, the following groups of applicants are also exempt from the visa fee:
- Holders of diplomatic, official, or service passports traveling for official purposes.
- Family members of EU/EEA nationals, as outlined in Directive 2004/38/EC.
- Students, pupils, and teachers accompanying a school trip.
- Researchers traveling to conduct scientific research.
Additionally, visa fees may be waived for individuals aged 25 or younger who are attending seminars, conferences, or events organized by non-profit organizations. This decision will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature of the event.
How to Prove Eligibility for a Visa Fee Exemption?
To qualify for a fee exemption, you must provide relevant supporting documents.
For example:
- Family members of EU/EEA nationals need to submit proof of relationship, and
- Researchers should provide an invitation or confirmation of their scientific project.
Payment Methods
Visa fee payments can usually be made via:
- Cash
- Debit or credit card
- Check or bank order
The specific payment methods available may vary depending on the embassy or consulate processing your application. You will receive instructions on how to pay when you schedule your visa appointment.
FAQ
Could I Be Faced With Extra Charges?
If you apply through a private visa application agency (such as VFS Global, BLS or TLS), you will pay more than the standard fee for a Schengen visa application. These agencies schedule your appointment and submit your documents at the Schengen embassy or consulate on your behalf. They will charge you for these services, so you may pay an extra €30 – €40 per each application.
Because many embassies or consulate offices do not accept visa applications unless made through an appointed agency, you may be unable to avoid these extra charges.
Is a Visa Fee Refund Possible?
Unfortunately, no. Whether your Schengen visa is approved or not, the visa fee is non-refundable. Additionally, any extra service fees charged by visa application agencies are also non-refundable.
What Currency Do I Pay the Fee?
You pay the visa fee in the local currency of the country you are applying from. E.g., if you are applying in the United States, you will pay the fee in US Dollar at the applicable currency exchange rate.
Does a Multiple Entry Visa Cost More Than a Single-Entry Visa?
No, all Schengen visas (single-entry or multiple-entry) cost the same. The Schengen embassy or consulate decides the duration of your visa, so even if you receive a 7-day visa and a fellow applicant receives a 90-day visa, you both pay the same fee.
Is the Cost Uniform Across All Schengen Countries?
Yes, the fee for a short-stay Schengen visa is the same for all 29 member countries of the Schengen Area. Regardless of your chosen destination, be it Germany, Spain, or France, or any of the other 24 Schengen States, the cost remains uniform.
Can I Pay the Fee Online?
Some EU embassies and consulates allow online payments for visa fees, while others require payment in person during your appointment. Check with the specific embassy or consulate handling your application for the available payment options.
Are There Any Discounts for Group Visa Applications?
Schengen visa fees are generally fixed per applicant, and no discounts are offered for group applications. However, some categories, such as school trips or events organized by non-profit organizations, may be eligible for fee waivers.
Can I Use the Same Visa Fee Receipt for a Reapplication?
No, if you are reapplying for a Schengen visa, you will need to pay the visa fee again. The fee paid for a previous application is not transferable to a new application.
Do I Need to Pay an Additional Fee for Urgent Visa Processing?
There is no official expedited processing fee for Schengen visas. However, using third-party services, such as visa agencies, may result in additional charges for faster appointment scheduling.
Is There a Different Fee for Long-Term Visas?
Yes, the fee for long-term visas (d-type), such as work or student visas, is typically different from short-stay visas. Check with the embassy or consulate for the specific fees applicable to long-term visas.
Do I Need to Pay a Visa Fee for Each Entry Into the Schengen Area?
No, if you have a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa, you do not need to pay the fee again for each entry during the validity period of the visa.
What Should I Do if I Cannot Afford the Fee?
In some cases, applicants may be eligible for a fee waiver. Check whether you qualify for an exemption based on your status (e.g., student, researcher, family member of an EU/EEA national) or participation in certain non-profit events.
The Schengen visa fee undergoes a review every three years.