Schengen Visa Fees to Increase by 12% from June 11, 2024
Brussels, Belgium – May 21, 2024 – The European Commission has announced a 12% increase in Schengen visa fees, effective June 11, 2024. This decision follows a regular review conducted every three years as mandated by the Schengen Visa Code.
The new fee structure will see adult visa applications increase from €80 to €90, while visas for children aged six to twelve will rise from €40 to €45. The increase is attributed to rising inflation and adjustments to civil servant salaries within the EU.
Potential Impact and Considerations
This decision may impact travel plans, particularly for citizens from countries with ongoing discussions on visa-free travel with the EU, such as Turkey. However, it’s important to note that the Schengen Area remains a popular tourist destination, with over 10.3 million short-stay visa applications received in 2023 – a 37% increase from 2022, though still below pre-pandemic levels.
Schengen Area: A Reminder
The Schengen Area encompasses 29 European countries, including 25 EU member states. It allows for visa-free movement amongst member states, simplifying travel for tourists and business visitors.
Positive News for Indian Travelers
Indian nationals seeking to explore Europe can benefit from a recently introduced “cascade” visa regime. This program simplifies access to multi-entry visas with extended validity. Applicants residing in India can now obtain a two-year multi-entry visa after using two single-entry visas within the previous three years. This can be further extended to a five-year visa, allowing stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
In Conclusion
While Schengen visa fees are set to increase, the EU remains a top travel destination with streamlined visa procedures for certain nationalities, like India.
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