Planning a trip to Europe soon? Well, we have some news for you! The European Commission has decided to increase the Schengen visa fee price. The visa application fee will be increased by 12% and it will make your European trip a bit more costly. The price hike will be applicable worldwide from June 11, 2024. Read on to learn more about this price hike.
European Commission Increases Schengen Visa Fee By 12%
If you’re planning a trip to Europe soon, then you will have to pay a bit more for your Schengen visa from June. As reported by VisaGuide.World, the European Commission has decided to increase the Schengen visa fees by 12% from June 11, 2024. This price hike has been confirmed by the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.
According to a statement released by the Slovenian government, “The European Commission adopted a decision to increase short-stay Schengen visa (visa type C) fees worldwide by 12%. The increase will apply worldwide as of 11 June 2024.” Schengen visas are required for citizens from non-European countries. These countries include India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and China. However, people from Britain, Canada, the USA, and Australia do not have to apply for a Schengen visa.
As per the revised rates, Schengen visa fees will increase from €80 (₹7,246) to €90 (₹8,150) for adults. Meanwhile, visas for children aged six to twelve will increase from €40 (₹3,622) to €45 (₹4,075). Furthermore, countries that are “uncooperative with the EU’s efforts on the readmission of their irregularly staying citizens” may have to face steeper hikes. They will, reportedly, be charged €135 or €180 (₹12,228 or ₹16,304).
Also Read: Schengen Visa Demand Sees 44% Increase In India; Interview Slot Shortages Disrupt Travel Plans
Inflation In The European Union The Biggest Reason For This Fee Hike
As per the Schengen Visa Code, the EU visa fee is reviewed every three years. It was last updated in February 2020, when it rose from €60 (₹5,434) to €80 (₹7,246). Now, according to the review in December 2023, the European Commission has increased this fee due to “inflation in the European Union” and “increase in civil servants’ salaries.”
The Schengen area of Europe has 29 countries. This includes countries like Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, Sweden, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Citizens from these member countries can travel anywhere in the Schengen area without a visa for 90 days.
We hope this information was useful to you. If you love to travel, then let us know in the comments which European city you’d like to visit soon.
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