Schengen visa fees increased by 12% starting in June

The European Commission has announced a price hike in the Schengen visa fee by 12% all over the globe starting on June 11, 2024.

Slovenia’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, confirming the news, said, "The fee for adult applicants will rise from €80 to €90. Additionally, the fee for children aged six to 12 will increase from €40 to €45. 

"For countries not cooperating with the EU on the readmission of their irregularly staying citizens, visa fees could surge to €135 or even €180."

As per the European Union, the primary reason for the price hike is inflation and civil servants' salaries, Business Standard reported.

The Schengen Visa Code requires EU visa fees to be reviewed every three years. The last increase occurred in February 2020, when the fees rose from €60 to €80.

A Schengen visa is a travel permit that allows non-EU citizens to visit the Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

The Schengen area encompasses 29 European countries, including 25 EU states.

These countries are Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, Sweden, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.