The European Commission has announced a 12% increase in the Schengen visa fee worldwide, starting June 11, 2024.
Confirming the news, Slovenia’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs stated, “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. Visa fees for countries not cooperating with the EU on the readmission of their irregularly staying citizens could surge to €135 or even €180.”
The primary reasons cited for the price hike are inflation and civil servants’ salaries, as reported by Business Standard.
According to the European Union’s regulations, EU visa fees must be reviewed every three years. The last increase occurred in February 2020, when the fees rose from €60 to €80.
A Schengen visa permits non-EU citizens to visit the Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The Schengen area comprises 29 European countries, including 25 EU states.
