Planning a trip to Europe? Your Schengen visa might soon cost you more

Travellers planning a visit to the Schengen area are likely to face a substantial increase in their overall trip expenses, primarily due to the forthcoming surge in Schengen visa costs. As per the latest news reports, the European Commission has proposed an increase in the basic fee for Schengen visas in 2024, which will make trips costlier for prospective visitors. Targeted fee hike Notably, the entity responsible for revising Schengen visa fees every three years is considering an additional increase in fees for countries displaying ‘insufficient cooperation on readmission.’ This will include nations that accept the re-entry of individuals expelled from Schengen member states, adding an extra layer of financial burden for certain travellers. Commission's initiative The European Commission presented the draft of the revised Schengen visa fee on February 2, opening it up for feedback until March 1. This initiative gained momentum in December 2023 during a meeting with member states, where experts expressed overwhelming support for the revision of visa fees. Rationale behind the hike The driving force behind the proposed surge in Schengen visa prices is attributed to the escalating inflation rate in the European Union. As per the insights provided by the European Commission, this necessitates an adjustment in visa fees to accommodate the economic realities. Also, in line with the proposed revision, external providers of Schengen visas will also be authorised to elevate their service fees. Visa agencies, as external providers, can charge a maximum fee of €45, up from the previous €40, representing half the value of the standard fee. It's important to note that the fee for extending a Schengen visa will remain unchanged at €30.