Key Takeaways:
- Schengen visa fees rise by 12% from June 11, 2024, increasing costs for adult and child applicants.
- Fee hike due to inflation and rising civil servant salaries; last increase was in February 2020.
- New visa rules for Indian travelers introduce easier access to multi-entry visas with positive history and five-year validity.
How Much Will the Schengen Visa Increase in June?
Travel to Europe is set to become more expensive for visa applicants starting June 11, 2024. The European Commission has approved a 12% increase in Schengen visa fees, impacting travelers worldwide. Slovenia’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs confirmed this update, which coincides with Europe’s effort to attract more tourists to the region.
What Are the New Schengen Visa Fees?
The updated fee structure is significant for those planning a trip to Europe.
- Adult Applicants: Previously €80, now €90
- Children (aged 6-12): Previously €40, now €45
For countries that are uncooperative with the EU’s repatriation efforts, fees might even soar to €135 and €180.
Quote: “The European Commission adopted a decision to increase short-stay Schengen visa (visa type C) fees worldwide by 12 per cent. This increase will apply globally starting June 11, 2024,” according to the Slovenian government.
Why Are the Schengen Visa Fees Being Increased?
The European Commission cites inflation and rising civil servant salaries as primary reasons for the hike. The last increase occurred in February 2020. This decision followed a scheduled review of EU visa fees in December 2023, mandated by the Schengen Visa Code.
What Is the Schengen Area?
The Schengen Area consists of 29 European countries that allow visa-free travel for short stays to Schengen visa holders:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway (applies regulations but not officially part of the Schengen Area)
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
How Does the Fee Increase Affect Travelers?
The increase in Schengen visa fees is likely to affect travelers from various countries, including Turkey and India, significantly.
For instance, in 2023, the Schengen region received more than 10.3 million short-stay visa applications, up 37% from the previous year. However, this is still below the pre-pandemic peak of 17 million applications in 2019. Indian citizens made 966,687 submissions, making India third in terms of visa applications for Europe.
What Are the Implications for Indian Travelers?
On April 18, 2024, the European Commission introduced a new regime for Indian citizens in India, dubbed the “visa cascade.” Under this regime, Indian applicants gain easier access to multi-entry visas, rewarding positive visa histories and the potential for five-year visas.
What Does This Mean for Future Europe Travel Plans?
Travel enthusiasts planning to visit Europe should prepare for these increased costs. This change is part of broader efforts to manage and regulate the flow of travelers into the Schengen Area while accounting for economic conditions affecting the relevant governmental departments.
Where Can You Find Official Information on Schengen Visa?
For more detailed information, you can visit the official European Union immigration page: europa.eu.
Final Thoughts
The increased Schengen visa fees are a key consideration for travelers planning to visit Europe from June 2024 onwards. Despite the hike, Europe remains a popular and richly rewarding destination worth exploring. Plan ahead and stay informed to ensure a smooth travel experience in the Schengen Area.
Learn Today:
Glossary of Immigration Terms
- Schengen Visa: A visa that allows travelers to enter, stay, and move freely within the 29 European countries that make up the Schengen Area for short stays, typically up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
European Commission: The executive arm of the European Union responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, and managing the day-to-day business of the EU, including the regulation of Schengen visa fees.
Repatriation Efforts: Actions taken by a country to send individuals back to their country of origin, typically when those individuals are in the country without authorization or have overstayed their visas.
Schengen Area: A group of European countries that have abolished passport controls at their mutual borders, allowing for unrestricted travel within the area as if it were a single country.
Visa Cascade: A new regime introduced for Indian citizens that eases the process of obtaining multi-entry Schengen visas based on their positive visa histories, potentially allowing for visas valid up to five years.
This Article In A Nutshell:
Starting June 11, 2024, Schengen visa fees will rise by 12%. Adult applicants will pay €90, up from €80, and children’s fees will increase to €45. Highlights the EU’s efforts to adjust for inflation and administrative costs, affecting travelers planning European trips.
— By VisaVerge.com
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