Schengen Visa Fee Increase: EUR 90 from June 2024 (What You Need to Know)
Published: 2024-06-01 · Last updated: February 2026
The European Union officially raised the Schengen short-stay visa fee from EUR 80 to EUR 90 for adults, effective June 11, 2024. Children aged 6-11 now pay EUR 45 (previously EUR 40). This is the first Schengen fee increase since 2020. This guide explains exactly what changed, what the total costs are now (including VFS/TLS service fees), and what it means for Indian, Nigerian, Pakistani, Filipino, and Egyptian applicants.
What Changed: Schengen Visa Fee 2024
| Applicant Category | Old Fee (before June 11, 2024) | New Fee (from June 11, 2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (18+) | EUR 80 | EUR 90 |
| Children (6-11 years) | EUR 40 | EUR 45 |
| Children (under 6) | Free | Free (unchanged) |
| Official EU/Government travelers | Free | Free (unchanged) |
The increase was mandated by Council Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 (Schengen Visa Code), which provides for automatic inflation-linked fee adjustments. The EUR 10 increase represents a 12.5% rise.
Total Cost Including VFS/TLS Service Fees
For most applicants outside Europe, the Schengen visa is submitted through VFS Global or TLS Contact. These third-party service providers charge additional fees on top of the official EUR 90 government fee:
| Cost Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Official Schengen visa fee (adult) | EUR 90 |
| VFS Global service fee (approximate) | EUR 30-55 (varies by country and centre) |
| Optional priority courier | Additional EUR 15-30 |
| Estimated Total (Adult) | EUR 120-145 |
Which Countries Does This Affect?
The EUR 90 fee applies to ALL short-stay Schengen visa applicants from ALL visa-required nationalities -- including India, Pakistan, Nigeria, the Philippines, Egypt, Bangladesh, Ghana, Kenya, and approximately 100 other nationalities worldwide. It does not affect nationals of countries that are Schengen visa-exempt.
Is the Fee Refundable if the Visa is Refused?
No. The EUR 90 Schengen visa fee is non-refundable regardless of whether the visa is approved or refused. The fee covers the administrative processing cost of reviewing your application -- it is not a deposit or insurance against refusal. VFS/TLS service fees are similarly non-refundable once the application is submitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the Schengen visa fee change for children?
Yes. Children aged 6-11 now pay EUR 45 (increased from EUR 40). Children under 6 remain free. This applies to all Schengen visa applications submitted from June 11, 2024 onward.
Does the new EUR 90 fee apply to all Schengen countries?
Yes. The Schengen visa fee is set at the EU level and applies uniformly across all 29 Schengen member states. Whether you apply for a French, German, Italian, or Spanish visa, the government fee is EUR 90.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Schengen visa fee in 2024 and 2026?
EUR 90 for adults (from June 11, 2024). EUR 45 for children 6-11. Free under 6. Plus VFS/TLS service fees of approximately EUR 30-55.
Why did the Schengen visa fee increase?
The EU increased the fee from EUR 80 to EUR 90 effective June 11, 2024, under the Schengen Visa Code's automatic inflation adjustment mechanism. This was the first increase since 2020.
Is the Schengen visa fee refundable?
No. The EUR 90 fee is non-refundable even if the visa is refused. VFS/TLS service fees are also non-refundable once submitted.
Last reviewed: February 2026 · About · Report inaccuracy