Effective June 11, Schengen visa fees are set to rise by 12.5 percent for both adults and children. This decision, disclosed in the Official Journal of the European Union on May 22, has prompted embassies and consulates of Schengen Area Member States to notify third-country nationals of the impending adjustment, as per Schengen.News.
Beginning next Tuesday, adult visa fees will climb to €90 from the current €80, while fees for children will increment from €40 to €45. Furthermore, applicants from nations that have declined cooperation with the EU regarding the readmission of their irregularly staying nationals within the bloc will face heightened fees, reaching €135 or €180.
However, not all will be subject to these increases, as certain categories of individuals will remain exempt from the adjustment.
Visa Fees Unchanged for Nationals with Visa-Facilitation Agreements
Those from countries with existing visa facilitation agreements with the EU will be unaffected by the new fee structure, maintaining a fee of €35. These countries, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus (excluding officials of the Belarus regime), and Cape Verde, benefit from fixed visa fees outlined in their agreements with the EU. This safeguards their visa fees from any future increases.
Additionally, nationals from eight countries with visa-free entry agreements with the EU, who lack biometric passports and thus cannot enter visa-free, will also maintain a €35 fee. These countries comprise Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Ukraine.
Limited Increase for Children from Non-Cooperative Countries
Children under 12 applying from countries facing increased visa fees as a punitive measure for non-cooperation in readmitting irregularly staying nationals will see a lesser increase, up to €45, compared to adults. This provision is detailed in Article 1 (2a) of the Schengen Visa Code amending regulation, as published on May 22 in the Official Journal of the EU.
Furthermore, visa applications for children under six from these countries will remain fee-free.
Exemptions from Visa Fees to Persist
Several categories remain exempt from Schengen visa fees, unaffected by the latest changes. These include family members of EU citizens, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland, irrespective of nationality, as well as holders of diplomatic, service, or official passports.
Pupils, students, postgraduate students, and accompanying teachers aiming to enter one or more Schengen countries for educational or professional training purposes are also exempt from fees.
Likewise, representatives of non-profit organizations under 26 years old participating in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural, or educational events organized by non-profit organizations are not required to pay visa fees.
Applicants belonging to any of these exempt categories should note that the consulate where they apply holds the authority to exempt them from visa fees.